"Fertility Package", from budget to bill - Public program eases burden for couples undergoing IVF
The government has planned that during the years 2026–2028, the “fertility package” will continue with a fund of about 37.5 million lek per year and a target of about 200 beneficiary couples per year. The aim of the program is to reduce the financial burden on couples and increase access to a service that remains expensive in the private sector and often requires more than one attempt.
In average budgetary terms, the support "on paper" comes out to be around 187.5 thousand lek per couple, but monitoring data for 2024 shows that the actual cost per unit has resulted in around 326,971 lek per couple, with 30 couples and around 9.8 million lek in actual expenses.
Compared to the private market, the difference is huge. The cost of an in vitro fertilization cycle in Albania is around 4–5 thousand euros, including tests and medications, and if the procedure is repeated, it is paid again. The stimulation medications alone can vary widely. Practically, for a couple who needs 2–3 attempts, the financial burden in the private sector can reach tens of thousands of euros, while the public program aims to lower this barrier for a limited number of beneficiaries.
On the social benefit side, the program creates access for couples who would otherwise not be able to afford the cost, but also filters through criteria, such as the woman's age, which should not exceed 42 years, as well as medical requirements for ovarian reserve, spermogram parameters, BMI, etc., as part of the referral mechanism. This makes the program more targeted, with the aim of increasing the chances of success and more efficient use of funds.
In terms of results, there are over 160 beneficiaries and pregnancy success rates ranging from 42% to 55%. The main impact for beneficiaries remains cycle cost savings and reduced access inequalities, especially for couples who cannot afford the procedure in private clinics.
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