The Ombudsman's report on the state of psychiatric hospitals in Albania: Inadequate infrastructure

In the latest inspection report on psychiatric hospitals in Albania, published by the Ombudsman, a series of important issues have been identified that affect the quality of treatment and the conditions of people with mental health problems.

From inadequate infrastructure, to overcapacity and untrained staff, the problems highlight the need for a larger budget for these institutions. According to data obtained, during 2023, there were 3,161 patients in the 4 psychiatric hospitals in the country.

The report emphasizes that many of the recommendations have been repeated over the years and often do not require a large budget for their implementation, but remain unresolved. The Ombudsman has requested that these measures be taken into account as soon as possible to ensure a more qualitative, humane and dignified treatment for people with mental health problems in Albania.

Inspections were carried out in several institutions, including psychiatric hospitals in Vlora, Shkodër, Elbasan, Tirana, as well as in special institutions for prisoners in Lezha and Tirana.

Main Issues:

• Inadequate infrastructural conditions: Psychiatric hospitals in Vlora, Elbasan, Shkodër and Tirana continue to face significant deficiencies in structural conditions for the treatment and recovery of patients.

• Lack of recovery activities: In some institutions, such as the “Xhavit Gjata” hospital in Tirana and “Sadik Dinçi” in Elbasan, there is a lack of facilities for the development of occupational skills and recovery activities.

• Insufficient capacities: Psychiatric health institutions suffer from a lack of space to accommodate patients in recovery phases, such as in the hostel system in Shën Koll.

• Lack of investment: The reconstruction of wards, especially in Elbasan hospitals and the QSUT, remains an immediate need to meet the standards required by international institutions.

• Insufficient and untrained staff: There is an urgent need for additional psychiatrists, nurses, and support staff, as well as for special training in the management of patients with severe mental disorders.

• Lack of special wards: Patients abusing narcotic substances do not have spaces dedicated to specific treatment.

The Ombudsman has proposed a series of measures to improve the situation, including:

• Complete reconstruction of hospital buildings and improvement of infrastructure conditions (heating, showers, toilets).

• Equipping hospitals with mechanical restraint devices and reorganizing wards for acute patients.

• Installing camera monitoring systems in common areas to increase security.

• Creation of special wards for people with disorders related to substance abuse.

• Increasing quotas for psychiatry specialists and increasing clinical and support staff. /Monitor/