TIRANA, February 15, 2013     Today, U.S. Ambassador Mr. Alexander Arvizu and the Minister of Health, Vangjel Tavo, delivered remarks at a roundtable held at the Tirana University Hospital Obstetrics-Gynecology "Queen Geraldine". Hospital Director, Halim Kosova, presented the results of a patient satisfaction survey conducted over a two-year period. With the support of USAID’s health governance project (EEHR), the hospital is introducing a more patient-centered approach to hospital management. 

Through a simple questionnaire the patient becomes an active partner in the daily work of the hospital that uses patient feedback as a means to improve performance, increase transparency, and strengthen hospital functions. According to Dr. Kosova, the assessment represents a step forward into the democratization process within the health system. He also invited patient's to ACT Now! to support improvements of mother and child care services at Queen Geraldine.

The event was attended by USAID/Albania Mission Director, Mr. Jim Barnhart, as well as representatives from key institutions and professional associations: Ministry of Health, National Center of Quality Safety and Accreditation of Health Institutions, National Center of Continuing Education, Order of Physicians, and the Directors of the Regional Hospitals of Durrës, Lezhë, Korcë, Fier, Berat, Kukës.

USAID’s health governance project, now in its third year, is providing the Ministry of Health and three pilot public hospitals with technical assistance in support of evolving health care system reforms in Albania.