Albania’s healthcare system is facing new allegations over a suspected pharmaceutical reimbursement scheme that could have caused more than €2.3 million in financial damage, according to an internal report from the Health Insurance Fund of Albania (FSDKSH).
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The allegations have brought renewed attention to businessman Nadir Çausholli, who has previously been mentioned in connection with influential business circles. According to the report, the suspected scheme involved several actors across the pharmaceutical supply chain, raising concerns about oversight and control mechanisms within the reimbursement system.
Investigation Expands Beyond Initial Suspicions
The case is not entirely new. In November 2025, the Tirana Court imposed security measures against several individuals, including the administrator of CFO Pharma, Frigull Milla, and former FSDKSH director Spartak Zeka, among others suspected in connection with an initial estimated damage of around €700,000.
However, a later administrative inspection conducted in January 2026 reportedly expanded the scope of the investigation. According to the findings, the suspected irregularities were not limited only to the medicines “Foster” and “Trimbow,” but allegedly included at least six additional pharmaceutical products.
The inspection reportedly identified concerns involving around 400 pharmacies across Albania, with particular attention focused on Tirana. The pharmacies “Medigreen” and “Bioplus,” reportedly linked in the document to Gazmend Aliaj, were among those mentioned during the review.
Patients Listed in the System but Without Medicines
The investigation also focused on 11 family doctors and cardiologists. According to the report, inspectors found irregularities involving changes in medication doses, active ingredients, and quantities of the heart medication Entresto.
During patient verifications, some individuals allegedly stated that they had never received the medicines recorded in the healthcare system as provided to them.
The report further states that in 40 out of 49 reviewed files, medical documentation was either missing or had been removed. During the verification process, officers from the Judicial Police were also present, as the case had already entered the criminal investigation phase.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
If confirmed, allegations involving millions of euros, hundreds of pharmacies, medical professionals, pharmaceutical companies, and public officials would represent a serious challenge for Albania’s healthcare administration.
The country’s promise of free healthcare has often been a central theme in political messaging, but cases involving suspected misuse of public funds raise questions about whether resources intended for patients are reaching those who need them most.
With the investigation now in the hands of prosecutors, the key issue remains whether the alleged reimbursement network will lead to criminal accountability or become another unresolved case in Albania’s public administration.
The final answers will depend on the findings of the justice institutions.
