Albania’s World Bank-backed healthcare reform is progressing—but too slowly. Some targets, like rebuilding 38 hospitals post-2019 earthquake, have been exceeded. Others, such as digital infrastructure upgrades and hospital revamps, are lagging.
Of the $69.5 million funding, $35.5 million has been disbursed. The World Bank rates progress as moderately satisfactory, with doubts about completion by June 2025. If deadlines slip, Albania’s government may need to step in.
An initial $40 million credit in 2015, mostly spent by 2023, was supplemented with $29.5 million in 2022, yet disbursement remains slow. A government-World Bank agreement aims to keep things on track.
With time running out, will Albania meet its targets or be left footing the bill?
