The Minister of Health, Evis Sala, participated in the National Pharmaceutical Conference, which this year also marked the 20th anniversary of its establishment. In her speech, she described this event as an important moment to reflect on the achievements to date, but also to address the challenges that await the sector in the future.

"This anniversary is an opportunity to evaluate the path taken to date, but also to realistically view the challenges ahead. The pharmaceutical sector is one of the main pillars of the health system and its strengthening remains a national priority, with the aim of guaranteeing sustainable access to quality, safe and effective medicines," said the minister. She also stressed the importance of reform and innovation in this sector, underlining that one of the main objectives remains improving citizens' access to new medicines.

According to her, the aim is not only to introduce innovative medicines to the market, but also to shorten the access time for patients, in line with best European practices. Minister Sala added that the sustainable development of the pharmaceutical market requires balanced policies that simultaneously guarantee access for citizens, affordable prices and long-term stability of the sector, emphasizing the need for continuous cooperation with all stakeholders involved.

The full speech of Minister Evis Sala:

"Dear participants, Dear colleagues and partners.

It is a pleasure to be together today at the National Pharmaceutical Conference, which this year also coincides with the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Order of Pharmacists of Albania.

I would like to express special thanks to the President of the Order of Pharmacists, Mr. Defrim Goma, as well as to all his staff, for their cooperation and continuous contribution to strengthening this profession.

This anniversary is a good opportunity to evaluate the path we have taken to date, but also to realistically view the challenges we face.

The pharmaceutical sector is one of the main pillars of the health system. For this reason, its strengthening remains a national priority, with a clear objective: guaranteeing citizens' sustainable access to quality, safe and effective medicines.

We have recently taken concrete steps towards reforming and modernizing the pharmaceutical system, with the aim of moving towards a more transparent, efficient and digitalized model. This process is essential to increase trust, improve service and ensure a more sustainable functioning of the market.

One of our priorities is to improve access to innovative medicines, aiming not only to introduce them to the market, but also to shorten the access time for patients, in line with European best practices.

At the same time, we are aware that the system requires balanced policies, between access, affordable prices and the sustainability of the pharmaceutical market. This requires careful decision-making and continuous cooperation with all stakeholders.

In this regard, open dialogue with the pharmaceutical industry, professionals in the field, and all representatives of the system remains essential for building effective and long-term policies.

Regional and international cooperation also remains important, challenges such as drug shortages or supply chains require close coordination and a common approach, especially for small markets like ours.

We have had concrete, tangible changes in this regard; two weeks ago, the new Council of Ministers on drug prices was approved.

All with the aim of making it more realistic and more adapted to market dynamics and the difficulties faced by pharmaceutical companies. The goal is to build a more stable and predictable system, in the interest of both patients and market actors.

The patient remains at the center of every reform and every decision-making. Our objective is to guarantee equality of access and to best meet the therapeutic needs of every citizen.

In this context, the role of the pharmacist is increasingly important. He is no longer simply a link in the distribution of medicines, but a key professional in patient care and their safe and rational use.

Secondly, we are working on a comprehensive review of the legislation on medicines in line with European Union legislation, as an important step towards raising standards and strengthening safety in the market.

Dear participants,

This conference is a good opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences, and build concrete collaborations for the future of the pharmaceutical sector in our country and beyond.

I thank you for your participation and contribution and I wish you good luck in your work!"