Civil Society Organizations Networking Event to Prioritize Patient Engagement
On 24 September 2024, over 24 civil society organizations (CSOs) gathered in Prishtina for the ‘Patients First’ networking event, organized by the Integrated Health Services (IHS) project. The event, which focused on fostering collaboration among groups working on patient engagement and support, aimed to enhance cohesive action towards improved patient outcomes in Kosovo.
“The idea behind this activity is simple but of great importance: we seek to create and cultivate a space where CSOs explore patient-centred collaboration,” said Linda Baleta, Senior Advocacy Officer of the IHS project, who outlined the event’s key objective to facilitate networking and strengthen partnerships for better patient outcomes.
The event featured keynote presentations highlighting critical issues in patient care. Agron Bytyqi from the Patients’ Rights Association of Kosovo spoke on safeguarding patient rights in healthcare, emphasizing the need for stronger patient advocacy mechanisms. Valbone Sadiku from the Center for Education and Community Development Friends shared insights on support networks for women with cancer, focusing on how such networks improve quality of life. Rina Demiri Spahija from Action for Mothers and Children discussed the unique challenges of maternal and neonatal diabetes care and called for a more integrated approach to support affected families.
A moderated discussion followed, where participants engaged in a dynamic exchange on the key barriers to effective patient engagement. They deliberated on how CSOs could work together at both local and national levels to influence patient rights policies and ensure patients are at the center of healthcare decision-making processes.
The ‘Patients First’ networking event marks a step towards building a cohesive voice for patient engagement in Kosovo.