VLORA--Today, U.S. Ambassador Alexander Arvizu, Albania’s Minister of Health, Ilir Beqaj, and Major Kristopher Mitchell, Chief of the Office of Defense Cooperation, joined hospital authorities in an inauguration ceremony marking the completion of the renovation of the Telemedicine Centers in the Vlora Regional Hospital.  The centers were renovated in the second phase of this larger USAID/DOD project which also includes the regional hospitals of Gjirokaster, Korce and Peshkopi.  There are eight telemedicine centers completed across Albania, with four additional sites currently under construction.  By December 2015, Albania will have a network of 12 renovated centers made possible through USAID, the Department of Defense, and Albania’s Ministry of Health.

EUCOM’s Humanitarian Assistance (HA) office provided $1 million for all four projects which included renovation of exterior and interior walls, the replacement of windows, new flooring, new wiring, new plumbing, new auditorium, and new latrine facilities inside the building. USAID provided equipment in support of the telemedicine program as well as training for personnel in the use of this equipment.

Telemedicine will strengthen the health care community’s ability to share knowledge and the latest research for diagnosis and treating injuries and disease. This will have a real impact on the health and the quality of life of people throughout Albania.

This project has been coordinated with USAID and the Albanian Ministry of Health and represents the continuing commitment of the United States Government to work together with the Republic of Albania.