Albania wants to stem the exodus of its young doctors by passing a law forcing them to work in the country for two to five years after graduating, under threat of paying tuition fees. But what can Tirana do compared to wages and working conditions in other countries?” asks Le Nouvel Obs

For weeks, students demanded the repeal of the law. For them, it is “unconstitutional” and “violates the fundamental principles of human rights regarding freedom of movement.”

First of all, they explained to AFP, the law prevents them from going “to develop their professional training” to Germany or Italy, the two countries of her choice. Hoping to win the case, they appealed to the Constitutional Court, which is expected to make a decision in the coming weeks.

“This news violates students’ right to freely choose where they want to work,” fifth-year general medicine student Reant Cullage told AFP.

“We motivate the students to stay, but we cannot force them,” he says, supported by his colleagues, who, as they do every morning, have gathered in front of the medical faculty.

Albania has 1.9 doctors per 1,000 inhabitants – one of the least well-insured countries in Europe by population. In France, there are 3.18 doctors per 1,000 inhabitants, in Germany – 4.5.

Fatmir Bragimai, president of the Order of Doctors, told AFP that at least 1,000 Albanian doctors are already working in Germany. According to the Association of Albanian Doctors in Europe, more than 3,000 doctors have left the country over the past decade.

“We must slow down the departure of doctors from Albania, especially young people who leave the country after receiving a diploma. This is a really big problem,” warns Paytim Lutai, an ophthalmologist who returned to Albania after specializing in Paris. .

The situation is no better in other medical professions. According to Elson Yachai, head of the Association of Nurses, at least 16,000 nurses and caregivers have left the country over the past four years.

The number of young people studying nursing has increased again this year, says Gevio Tabaku, who runs the UAlbania university admissions data site. The proof, he said, is that these students want to use this degree as a passport.

“The law, which aims to slow down the departure of young doctors, is not restrictive. To work for several years in the city, in the village, to serve one’s country, one’s citizens is the best thing for a doctor,” Najada assesses. Como, professor of the faculty of medicine in Tirana.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama was adamant: “We cannot supply doctors to Germany,” he said in September. “We pay, we train them, and Germany takes them away from us.”

Kristi Tata, a 6th year general medicine student, is “torn between two loves: to get a residency abroad and then return to Albania or work in the country as soon as she graduates.” He loves his job, but like all other students, he is eagerly waiting for the last word of the Constitutional Court before making his choice.

Adding to personal dilemmas are advertisements from agencies seeking to secure a better future for young Albanian doctors.

“Guaranteed work and contract in the largest hospitals in Germany, the opportunity to independently choose the city and place of work in 2000 cities throughout Germany. Salary from 2,800 to 3,900 euros per month.” “The possibility of career growth according to all European standards”… Offers that will not leave you indifferent in a country where the average salary of a young graduate working in the budget sector is 1000 euros.

In order to work in Germany, young doctors must provide detailed course content and have their diplomas translated into German. After examining the file, the equivalence is either granted or rejected.

They must also confirm a sufficient level of German (level C1), the presence of a “serious” criminal record and the absence of chronic health problems.

From November 1, the formalities will become even easier: a new immigration system – “Chansenkarte” – is being introduced in Germany for workers from outside the EU. It is aimed at people who do not have a work contract but have the potential: a university degree or personal experience of at least two years abroad.

They will then have the right to come to Germany and look for work for 12 months.

According to a June 2022 study by PWC, there could be up to 1.8 million healthcare jobs in Germany by 2035.

The material was created with the support of Rador Radio Romania