This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.
Overview
Kosovo’s healthcare system dates from the Yugoslav era. Although the last decade has been marked by some significant improvement, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown there are still significant challenges. Kosovo’s poor health and medical facilities have led many local residents to seek healthcare services in neighboring countries, even for routine check-ups. The growing demand for quality healthcare and the lack of government resources to meet these needs create opportunities for U.S. companies to provide a variety of health-related services, including basic and specialized treatments, hospitals, clinics, emergency medical treatment facilities, and high-quality medicines and pharmaceutical products.
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.
In 2017, Ministry of Health adopted a National Health Sector Strategy for 2017 -2021, which aims to provide better financing and better access for marginalized groups. In 2014, Kosovo enacted a Law on Health Insurance, which gives all citizens the right and obligation to carry mandatory health insurance. However, to date, Kosovo has still not implemented the law. Although Kosovo’s public health facilities are available to all Kosovo citizens, the Government of Serbia pays for many of the public health services in Serb-majority areas. The public procurement process in the health sector is characterized as difficult, time-consuming, and lacking transparency.
Kosovo pharmacies and healthcare facilities rely on imported medical equipment and pharmaceuticals. There is some 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.
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
National Institute of Public Health at http://www.niph-rks.org/
Kosovo Pharmaceutical Association at http://ofk-rks.net/