Health Stakeholders Coordinate Further Care for Diabetes and Hypertension Patients
On 11 September 2025, key health sector representatives met in Prishtina to further collaboration between primary and secondary healthcare providers, with a shared focus on improving care for patients living with diabetes and hypertension.
The meeting, convened by the Integrated Health Services (IHS) project, brought together officials from the Ministry of Health, National Institute of Public Health, regional hospitals, primary care level, and civil society organizations, to explore more patient-centred approaches to chronic disease management.
“Care in hospitals is not only expensive, but often not tailored to patient needs, especially when supportive home and community environments can make a major difference,” said Dr. Jana Gerold, from Swiss TPH. “As we consider ways to move forward, we must ensure that no one is left behind. The bigger picture is always about serving the populations most in need.”
Discussions focused on improving coordination between health system levels and enhancing information-sharing protocols to deliver more efficient and effective care.
“Exchange of information and feedback directly affects access to quality care and helps reduce overload,” said Mr. Niman Bardhi, Ministry of Health of Kosovo. “By sharing experiences in meetings like this, we can identify realistic and sustainable options for delivering patient-centred services, as the citizen remains at the centre of all efforts.”
Participants also reviewed progress on the Action Plan for managing hypertension and diabetes in the municipalities of Peja and Gjakova. The updated plan, now awaiting formal approval of its second phase, outlines steps to expand self-management initiatives and pilot care centres, with a long-term vision of scaling successful practices across Kosovo’s regional hospitals.