Access to healthcare services among vulnerable groups in Albania: unveiling barriers and proposing solutions

This study examines the challenges vulnerable populations in Albania face in accessing healthcare, focusing on structural, access-related, and socio-cultural barriers. Using a qualitative approach, it involved 13 focus group discussions (FGDs) with 118 participants from diverse backgrounds, including individuals with disabilities and members of the Roma and Egyptian communities. Data were collected between 2019 and 2020 as part of the "Health Vulnerability Study in Albania", commissioned by the "Health for All Project" (HAP) and approved by the Albanian Committee of Medical Ethics. Oral consent was obtained, and discussions were recorded to explore participants' experiences and perspectives in-depth. Key findings highlight limited healthcare infrastructure, negative perceptions of the health insurance system, and discrimination, which erode trust in healthcare providers. Vulnerable groups included socio-economically disadvantaged individuals, older adults, the LGBT community, and women facing domestic violence or unemployment. The study calls for reforms in healthcare infrastructure, health insurance, and cultural competence training for providers to address disparities.