A new change in the Albanian public healthcare system is expected to allow transgender people to undergo hormonal therapy, a service that until now was not offered in the country's public institutions.
Through an order approved by the Ministry of Health, an official protocol for the hormonal treatment of transgender people has been defined for the first time. The service will be provided at the “Mother Teresa” University Hospital Center and, according to the document (via Shqiptarja.com), will be covered by public funds through mandatory health insurance.
Until now, transgender people in Albania have resorted to private clinics abroad or have obtained treatment unofficially, often without proper medical supervision. This has been one of the main demands of the LGBT+ community in the country for years.
What does the protocol provide?
According to the guideline, hormone therapy will be available for:
- transgender men (person born female who identifies as male), through testosterone treatment;
- transgender women (person born male who identifies as female), through estrogen and anti-androgens.
As a rule, treatment can begin at the age of 16. In special cases, after specialized assessments and with family involvement, it can also be considered for younger adolescents.
The document emphasizes that decision-making requires careful assessment of the patient's emotional, psychological, and cognitive maturity, as well as collaboration between the medical team, the family, and the person themselves who will undergo treatment.
Before starting therapy, patients will undergo hormonal tests, laboratory examinations, and medical and psychosocial assessments. They must also sign a form confirming that they are familiar with the effects, risks, and long-term consequences of the treatment, including the possible impact on fertility.
The protocol also provides for regular medical monitoring, as hormone therapy may be associated with certain health risks, such as cardiovascular problems, hypertension, or metabolic disorders.
reaction
Like many issues related to gender identity and public policy, this decision has brought mixed reactions in public opinion.
On the one hand, LGBTQI+ community representatives and activists have considered it an important step towards more equal access to healthcare.
On the other hand, there has been no shortage of critical voices. Some objections are related to religious, moral or cultural beliefs, while others argue that Albanian society is not yet prepared for such decisions.
One argument in the debate is related to the fact that before expanding specific services, Albania must guarantee more social, legal, and institutional protection for transgender people, so that they have equal opportunities for education, employment, and daily life, without discrimination.
There are also those who do not necessarily oppose the treatment, but raise questions about the priorities of the healthcare system. In discussions held on social networks, some citizens have mentioned long-standing healthcare issues, such as difficulties in treating cancer patients, occasional shortages of medications, waiting lists for certain services, or the need for greater investment in hospital infrastructure.
Despite the different positions, the decision marks the first time that hormone therapy for transgender people is officially included in the Albanian public health system, opening a broader debate on rights, public health, and the priorities of Albanian society.
