In a bid to combat the mass exodus of medical professionals, Albania’s parliament has approved a law that mandates medical students from public universities to work in the country for a minimum of three years post-graduation. Those who choose not to comply will be required to reimburse the full cost of their tuition, with the exact fee structure set to be determined by October.
Under the new law, the Ministry of Health is responsible for securing employment for the graduates within three months of completing their studies. The law initially proposed a five-year commitment, but after protests from students and a ruling by Albania’s Constitutional Court, it was revised to three years.
The decision comes in response to growing concerns over the increasing number of Albanian medical graduates leaving the country for better opportunities abroad, particularly in Europe and Germany. According to data from the Albanian Medical Federation, approximately 3,000 doctors emigrated over the last decade, contributing to the country's shortage of medical professionals.
Despite the government's intentions, critics argue that forcing graduates to stay will not solve the underlying issues. Rigels Xhemollari, an education expert and head of the NGO Civic Resistance, voiced concerns that the law may feel more like a "trap" for young doctors. He emphasized that the state should focus on improving working conditions and funding the health sector to make Albania an attractive and stable place for medical professionals to build their careers.
"The government should be motivated to support doctors by improving healthcare infrastructure and ensuring they are working in favorable conditions. This will naturally encourage them to stay and serve the country," Xhemollari told BIRN.
While the law is intended to retain talent, some medical students have already taken the matter to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. The case, which is yet to be decided, reflects the ongoing struggle between the government’s efforts to manage a growing emigration crisis and the personal and professional aspirations of Albania’s young medical professionals.
