Kosovo Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in kosovo, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Health
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Overview

The COVID-19 pandemic galvanized the government to focus on the growing need for quality basic and specialized health and medical services, personnel, facilities, and products. The sector is dominated by public-sector services, but private-sector investment in recent years has increased. Many Kosovans travel to neighboring countries to meet their healthcare needs. Local solutions present a potentially lucrative opportunity for outside investors. Dental clinics, eye surgery centers, and facilities offering cosmetic procedures are also on the rise as they offer lower cost services to visiting diaspora. The focus on the healthcare sector also presents opportunities for increased exports by U.S. pharmaceutical companies.

Throughout the country, there are seven regional public hospitals and one university hospital located in Pristina. The American Hospital opened in 2015, offering state-of-the-art technology and equipment as well as more advanced procedures than typically offered locally.

Kosovan pharmacies and healthcare facilities rely on imported medical equipment and pharmaceuticals. There is very limited production locally of generic pharmaceuticals. The Kosovo Medicines Agency is responsible for licensing of importers and quality control. EU market authorizations for pharmaceuticals are not always accepted. Importers may also need Kosovo-specific market authorizations which can take several months to acquire.

Kosovo is taking steps to modernize its healthcare system through the development of a Health Information System (HIS). The Ministry of Health (MoH) is prioritizing digitalization as a key component of its reform agenda. MoH has emphasized the importance of the first phase of digitalization, which will be supported by a soft loan from the World Bank (WB). While the loan has been finalized between the MoH and the Ministry of Finance (MoF), parliamentary approval is still pending, contingent on the formation of the new parliament. Once approved, the loan will enable digitalization of healthcare services, focusing on the establishment of a Strategic Information System (SIS). This initiative aims to improve healthcare delivery, enhance data management, and streamline administrative processes, ultimately increasing efficiency and accessibility within Kosovo’s healthcare sector. The HIS project represents a critical opportunity for Kosovo to align its healthcare infrastructure with international standards, offering potential collaboration opportunities for U.S. companies specializing in health IT solutions, data security, and system integration.

In 2025, Kosovo’s MoH officially implemented a price ceiling for pharmaceutical products, marking a significant step in reforming the pharmaceutical sector. Effective February 1, 2025, the decision introduces an official drug price list aimed at ensuring transparency in the pharmaceutical market, with citizens identified as the primary beneficiaries. The health ministry has committed to monitoring compliance through the Pharmaceutical Inspectorate to protect patient interests and uphold legal standards. While the reform seeks to create a more sustainable pharmaceutical market, it faced opposition from the Chamber of Pharmacists and the Association of Distributors of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Products, who challenged the decision in the Commercial Court. Concerns include potential supply chain disruptions and legal inconsistencies, particularly regarding pricing obligations for pharmacies. Despite these challenges, the Ministry remains dedicated to overcoming obstacles and ensuring the long-term benefits of this legislative change for Kosovo’s citizens.

Leading Sub-sectors

  • Hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities
  • Emergency medical treatment services and equipment
  • Medicines, pharmaceutical products, and pharmacies
  • Hospital management, staff training, and legal services

Opportunities

  • Primary, secondary, and tertiary level healthcare facilities
  • Private hospitals, clinics, and emergency medical facilities
  • Medical supplies and pharmacies
  • Provision of medical equipment and supplies
  • Professional staff training and consulting
  • National Health Information System

Resources:

Ministry of Health

National Institute of Public Health

Kosovo Medicine Agency

Kosovo Pharmaceutical Association

 


 

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