Patients Share Their Experiences with the Health System
On May 28, 2025, a focus group was held in Gjakova to hear directly from various communities’ representatives about patients’ pathways and real-life challenges they face while navigating the different levels of health system. The stories and suggestions shared at the event will inform further steps for engaging patients in a more integrated healthcare system in Kosovo.
About 18 people took part in the session, including those living with chronic diseases, older adults, women who often use health services, and members of the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities. They spoke about their experiences with getting appointments with specialists and coordination between family medicine centers and hospitals.
“These kinds of conversations with the community are key to making sure activities match patients’ needs and address realities,” said Linda Baleta, Senior Advocacy Officer, IHS Project. The ideas and feedback from this session will be considered while supporting the Ministry of Health and other national partner health institutions to refine patient pathways and augment their efforts in improving the service delivery.