SHOK alarms: Unemployment of new oncologists slows down treatment of cancer patients

SHOK stressed that the number of cancer patients is increasing annually, while some new oncology specialists, trained for years with large public and personal investment, remain without employment opportunities in health institutions.

“Every unemployed specialist represents a lost opportunity for faster diagnosis, more custom treatment and general improvement of care for patients with malignant diseases in Kosovo”, the Society's communiqué said.

According to SHOK, chemotherapy and radio therapy are mostly offered at the University Clinical Centre in Kosovo (QKUK), which adds pressure on the health system and often brings delays in treating patients.

The association stressed that employing new specialists would enhance the capacities of oncological services, improve the approach of patients to therapy, and reduce the waiting time for treatment. Until the association called for responsible institutions to create opportunities for the quick integration of these professionals into the public health system.