Facilities and Health Information:
Medical care at private hospitals and clinics in Tirana has improved in recent years, but still remains below western standards. Medical facilities outside Tirana have very limited capabilities. Emergency and major medical care requiring surgery and hospital care outside Tirana is often inadequate because of a lack of medical specialists, diagnostic aids, medical supplies, and prescription drugs. There are very few ambulances in Albania; therefore, injured or seriously ill U.S. citizens may be required to take taxis or other immediately available vehicles to the nearest major hospital rather than waiting for ambulances to arrive. If you have been previously diagnosed with (a) medical condition(s), you may wish to consult your personal health care provider before travel. As some prescription drugs may not be available locally, you may also wish to bring extra supplies of required medications.
Electricity shortages result in sporadic blackouts throughout the country, which can affect food storage capabilities of restaurants and shops. While some restaurants and food stores have generators to store food properly, you should take care that food is cooked thoroughly to reduce the risk of food-borne illness. Tap water is not considered potable or safe to drink. You should purchase bottled water or drinks while in country. Air pollution is also a problem throughout Albania, particularly in Tirana. Travelers should consult their doctor prior to travel and consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on them.
Drinking Water Source - % of rural population improved"
93.8%
Drinking Water Source - % of total population unimproved:
4.3%
Drinking Water Source - % of urban population improved:
97.3%
Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population:
2.4
Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population:
1.11
Sanitation Facility Access - % of total population unimproved:
8.8%
Sanitation Facility Access - % of urban population improved:
95.3%
Sanitation Facitlity Access - % of rural population improved:
86.3%