A second COVID-19 patient has committed suicide by jumping from a window of the Shefqet Ndroqi hospital in Tirana.
The 65-year-old was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 and pneumonia just two days ago. He was in a serious condition but was not intubated. He was in what was described as an “aggravated psychological condition” and jumped from the fourth floor.
On 13 of August, another individual jumped from the third floor of the same building and ended his life. The 29-year-old had been diagnosed with COVID-19 and was being treated in the hospital for four days prior to the incident. He was on the verge of recovery and would have been discharged soon.
News24 reported that last night a third patient tried to throw themselves from a window but they were restrained by hospital staff.
The Ministry of Health has not commented on the two suicides of patients under their care. Reactions from the public on social media include demands for the resignation of Health Minister Ogerta Manastriliu.
Albania has noted a spate of suicides in recent months, more than during the same period last year. Currently, Albania dedicates less than 1% of its budget to mental health.
