Two of the most important indicators that show the importance given to health are the percentage (%) of Total Health Expenditures to GDP and Total Health Expenditures per capita.  Studies have shown that there is a link between wealth (poverty) of a country and health expenditures per capita. Richer the country, more is spent for the health and vice versa.

Furthermore, is noted a direct relationship between health expenditures per capita and life expectancy of the population; more is spent on health better people live which directly affects their longevity.  Given these facts, the ODA has conducted research among countries of the region for Total Health Expenditure (THE) per capita, expressed in dollars based on purchasing power parity.


Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
Comments and Analysis: Open Data Albania (ODA)

Figures classify Albania as one of the countries of the region that spend less in health per capita. Since 2005 the health expenditures per capita increased but again this increase was not enough to “catch up” our neighbours, Macedonia or Montenegro; on the contrary the difference became deeper.
Calculating the average per capita of THE in the last three years, 2007-2009, gives a clearer picture of the classification for the countries in the region for this indicator.

Albania is the last, with $ 549 / capita and has a big difference with Macedonia (second place), about 30% less. Farther is positioned Montenegro, with THE per capita 2 times more or Greece, which headed the list, round 5 times more.

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
Comments and Analysis: Open Data Albania (ODA)

The situation is more interesting when we look at the percentage of THE to GDP. Albania is the second last (by 0,003% more than Macedonia) in the region, but this latter has made many steps forward since 1995, spending more and more funds for health. Moreover Macedonia is the country that has experienced a steady decline from 10.1% in 1998, to 6.9% in 2009

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
Comments and Analysis: Open Data Albania (ODA)

In calculating the average for 2007-2009, heads the list Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has also experienced high growth in THE per capita since 2003.

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
Comments and Analysis: Open Data Albania (ODA)

To conclude this analysis Albania is still far from the standards of providing a health service within the parameters of our neighbours, and even far away from EU standards. If there is not a sufficient commitment of funds, on wages, investments, maintenance, prohibition of under the table payments and also an effective and efficient management of available resources, the figures will continue to rank Albania as one of the countries, which does not invest enough in quality of life that offers its citizens.