Albany | “Boycott the new school year,” the rallying cry of medical students

Boycott the new school year! It is the battle cry of medical students in Albania. This week, they demonstrated in front of parliament to demand the withdrawal of a bill that would force them to work in Albania for five years after completing their studies.

“This bill is unfair, unconstitutional and a violation of human rights.”says the medical student.

Medical brain drain

Medical brain drain is the main reason behind the decision of the Ministry of Education.

In the past decade alone, 3,040 doctors have left Albania, according to data from the Association of Albanian Physicians in Europe.

“The law is not contrary to the constitution, the law does not oblige anyone. The law gives them the opportunity to choose.”In the words of Efes Koshi, Minister of Education and Sports of Albania.

But this decision was not well received by the medical students. They have two options: either sign the contract, or pay the full fee for their studies.

Look for alternatives

For their part, Albanian doctors believe that alternatives must be found to prevent this brain drain.

“Conditions must be created for these students to work. Such measures are being taken all over the world.”says Keita Salabanda, MD.

More than a month of protests

The protests, which lasted more than a month, did not succeed, as the House of Representatives approved the law that will be implemented with the start of the new session next October.