TIRANA, July 30 /ATA/ Minister of Health and Social Welfare Evis Sala stated today that the government approved a landmark decision to establish Albania's first-ever national tumor institute, structured along contemporary European lines.

During a briefing after the government meeting, Sala appreciated the decision as historic and a personal challenge of hers.

“We have adopted the Milan model,” Sala added.

According to her, the institute will have clinical care, education, and research.

Sala also emphasized that joining European oncology networks gives Albania access to EU innovation funds for new drugs and technology.

Fier Regional Hospital unit will raise the country's total number of active chemotherapy sites from eight to nine. The Tumor Institute will act as the central hub to coordinate these national services, said Sala.

The minister underlined that, “The decision approved by the government paves the way for the legal establishment of the institute, while work is now underway on building the structure and determining the manner of its functioning”. /e.i/a.f/p.s./