Following a government order to terminate the employment contracts of up to 800 medical residents in Albania, they have called for the Ministry of Health to review the decision otherwise they will protest and take the matter to court.
Earlier this month, the Ministry requested the dismissal of medical residents in Tirana, Elbasan, Shkodra, and Vlora. They were employed during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis and contracted and paid by the state. Following the reduction in cases over the last couple of months, the Ministry terminated the contracts. Once the contracts were terminated, the Ministry said any vacancies would be announced on the government portal, Doctors for Albania.
The Ministry said that the medical residents, many of whom were still students, should return to school.
The residents claim there is no rule that prohibits them from working while also pursuing their residency. They have requested a review of the paperwork and a meeting with the Ministry to come to an agreement.
“We will escalate our actions including protests and even a lawsuit”, they said.
During their doctoral residency, medical students in Albania aren’t paid. They have a contract with the University where they complete their education and they pay an annual fee of 130,000 lek (EUR 1060).
