TIRANA, July 30 – Albania will establish its first National Cancer Institute, Health Minister Evis Sala said after the government meeting.

Sala said the institute will follow European models, using the National Cancer Institute of Milan as a reference. The new institution will focus on 3 areas: clinical services, education and scientific research.

The clinical sector will include cancer surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy services. In addition, the institute will create the country’s first dedicated clinical studies unit.

Meanwhile, Sala said the unit will allow Albanian patients to participate in international clinical trials and access innovative treatments and medicines. She added that the institute’s membership in the European organization of oncology research centers will help Albania secure European funds for research, technology and new drug development.

The minister also announced changes to the national prevention program. The government removed the upper age limit for the free Check-Up service.

As a result, citizens aged 35 and above will continue to receive the service free of charge. Sala said citizens over 70 will also have access to Check-Up services from September.

The government will also take over the management of Check-Up and dialysis services, which public institutions will provide directly.

/a.p./