Public Breast Reconstruction Surgery to Be Offered for the First Time in Albania

Oncology hospital building in Tirana

For the first time in Albania, women who have undergone mastectomy due to breast cancer will be able to access free breast reconstruction surgery in the public healthcare system. After years of appeals from patients and advocacy groups, the Ministry of Health has announced that a new program will fund breast prosthesis procedures for 350 women annually during the period 2026–2028.

The initiative, detailed in the Medium-Term Budget Program Document for 2026–2028, marks a milestone in cancer care within Albania’s public health infrastructure.

“For the first time, a dedicated service is planned for women suffering from breast cancer. Providing breast reconstruction treatment not only shows special attention to their condition but also creates the opportunity for them to lead a normal life,” the document states.

A Long-Awaited Service for Cancer Survivors

Until now, no public hospital in Albania has provided this type of reconstructive surgery, despite persistent demand from women who have undergone mastectomy. In private clinics, the cost of such procedures ranges from €5,000 to €8,000, making it unaffordable for the majority of patients.

The Ministry of Health estimates that the cost per patient will be about 200,000 Lek, or roughly €2,000, under the new public program. With 350 beneficiaries each year, the annual budget is projected at 70 million Lek, fully covered by the state budget.

International Standards and Precedents

The funding model for this program follows international examples. In the United States, for instance, the 1998 Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act mandates that health insurance companies cover reconstructive surgery following mastectomy. The cost coverage varies by country, but the approach reflects a growing international consensus on the importance of this type of care.

Why This Surgery Was Absent Until Now

The absence of this service in Albania’s public system has been attributed to limited funding and high procedure costs. According to Dr. Silvana Çeliku, Head of the Oncology Service at the University Hospital Center "Mother Teresa", the focus until now has been on essential cancer treatments.

“In some cases, this surgery is also categorized as cosmetic. What matters most is ensuring basic treatment coverage for patients,” Dr. Çeliku told Monitor.

Dr. Çeliku also emphasized the importance of early detection as the best way to avoid advanced cases requiring mastectomy. “Every woman should undergo a breast ultrasound at least once a year to help prevent severe outcomes and save the breast,” she added.

A Step Forward for Women’s Health

This landmark development signals a shift in Albania’s public health priorities toward comprehensive cancer care, recognizing not just survival but also post-treatment quality of life. By making breast reconstruction accessible to all women, regardless of income, the program aims to provide emotional and physical healing for hundreds of patients each year — offering dignity, hope, and the possibility of a normal life after cancer.