At a time when the number of patients with malignant diseases in Kosovo continues to increase from year to year, the healthcare system is facing a significant shortage of active oncologists in the public service, while some young specialists in this field continue to remain unemployed.
Four young oncologists, trained for years with public and personal investment, are facing such a situation.
Dr. Labinot Kastrati – Radiotherapist Oncologist, Dr. Egzona Bytyqi – Medical Oncologist, Dr. Gzim Buzhala – Medical Oncologist and Dr. Atdhe Agaj – Medical Oncologist, in a joint statement to the Telegraph, have expressed their concern about the current situation of oncology services in the country.
"We, the undersigned oncologists, express our deep concern regarding the current situation of oncology services in Kosovo. Every unemployed specialist is a lost opportunity for faster diagnosis, more personalized treatment, and a reduction in the overall burden of malignant diseases in Kosovo," their statement reads.
According to them, one of the main problems is the concentration of oncology services only in the Oncology Clinic at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK).
"Currently, public oncology services are mainly provided only within the UCCK, which creates a huge burden for this institution and additional difficulties for patients from all regions of the country," they say.
Oncologists emphasize that the overload for existing doctors directly affects the quality of patient care.
"An oncologist is often forced to manage a much larger number of patients than European standards recommend. This not only increases the professional fatigue of existing staff, but also directly affects the quality of patient care," the statement further states.
According to them, young specialists need institutional support, professional mentoring, and opportunities for scientific and clinical advancement in order to fully contribute to improving care for cancer patients.
Finally, oncologists call for better institutional planning and job openings according to real clinical needs.
"Responsible institutions must realistically analyze the national needs for oncologists, open jobs according to real clinical demand, and create sustainable policies for the integration and professional development of new specialists," they stated. /Telegraph/
