The Albanian government has closed this week with a powerful change, after removing the head of the Health Care Insurance Fund from office. By decision of the Minister of Health, Evis Sala, the director of the institution, Arti Papajani, has been dismissed from office.
Ilir Topi has been appointed in his place, who will take over the leadership of the institution from now on. Papajani was appointed head of the Health Care Insurance Fund in September 2025, also by decision of Minister Sala.
So far, the official reasons that led to his removal from office have not been made public, but according to reliable information, there were strong clashes between them.
These clashes occurred due to the position of Director Papajani, as his position was a coveted one and was thought to be a position with many benefits, compared to Albanian customs.
The Compulsory Health Insurance Fund (FSDKSH) is the institution that administers health insurance funds in Albania. The director of this institution controls a very important part of the public health system.
What does it specifically control?
💊 1. Reimbursement of medicines
List of reimbursable medicines
Payments to pharmacies
Control of prescription abuse
👉 so it has a direct impact on:
pharmacies
pharmaceutical companies
patients
🏨 2. Financing hospitals and health centers
FSDKSH finances:
public hospitals
check-ups
analysis
dialysis
other medical services
👉 The director has a role in:
contracts
funds
payments
📑 3. Contracts with private individuals
He has in hand:
contracts with private laboratories
, clinics,
private hospitals
, PPP in healthcare
👉 A lot of public money is spent here.
🔍 4. Control and audit
Institution:
checks doctors,
pharmacies,
fictitious prescriptions,
abuses of funds
👉 can decide:
Fines, contract blockages,
reports
💰 5. Managing a very large budget
FSDKSH administers hundreds of millions of euros annually from:
health insurance
state budget
Why is it considered a strong position?
Because it affects:
medicines
hospitals
PPPs
pharmacies
large healthcare companies
👉 so it is one of the most financially important institutions in the health sector.