As part of its capitalisation stage, the Health for All (HAP) Project organised a discussion forum on 28 April 2026 entitled “Home Care: Reflection on the Development, Scale-up and Consolidation of the Service”. The event brought together policymakers, health system managers, health professionals, civil society representatives, and development partners to reflect on the journey of home care in Albania and discuss the conditions needed for its sustainable future.
Developed by HAP in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare as part of the Primary Health Care Strategy 2020–2025, the home care model has evolved from a pilot intervention into a service implemented in 150 health centres and aiming to be expanded nationwide. The model has strengthened access to care for vulnerable groups, particularly people with chronic conditions and those unable to visit health facilities, while promoting a more patient-centred and community-oriented approach to primary health care.
Through discussions at both institutional and service provider levels, participants acknowledged the significant progress achieved through strengthened professional capacities, new clinical and operational tools, improved teamwork, and a stronger role for nurses in community-based care.
At the same time, the forum provided a valuable space for open and critical discussion of the next steps in home care development. Key areas identified for continued attention included sustainable financing, ongoing training and mentoring, quality assurance, effective monitoring, workload management, and adapting service organisation to different local realities.
The forum concluded with a shared understanding that home care has proven its value and relevance within Albania’s health system. The next crucial step is to ensure full institutional ownership so that the service continues to evolve and respond to the needs of vulnerable populations beyond the duration of project support.