More than 40 pathologists in the Institute of Pathology trained on cervical cytology

16.03.2017

Prishtina, 16 March 2017-

Over a period of four days, pathologists in the Institute of Pathology in the Hospital and University Clinical Service of Kosovo, had the opportunity to undergo an intensive training organized in the scope of the National Program for Cervical Cancer Screening, which is a continuation of the cervical cancer screening pilot project implemented during 2016. The training has been accredited by the Board for Continuous Medical Education, contributing towards the medical professionals’’ relicensing.

The latter resulted with more than 1800 women screened free of charge as of this day, while Pap tests continue to be offered as a regular service in three Family Medicine Centers in Prishtina, those being the Main Family Medicine Center, Family Medicine Center No.5 and Family Medicine Center No.6. The project has additionally improved the level of cooperation among the primary and tertiary health care levels and produced action steps to ensure the continuation and sustainability of the program, with the ultimate goal of scaling it to a national screening program.

An important component of screening program is the continuous training and medical education of medical staff from all levels of health care provision. The first training was organized over last week with more than 40 pathologists and technicians in the Institute of Pathology. Under the expert and professional training and supervision of the Clinical Cytology specialist and doctor Merdita Agai Muhaxhiri, pathologists and technician had the opportunity to expand their knowledge and learn about new developments in the field of clinical gynaecology, while conducting practical demonstrations in real work environments.

Action for Mothers and Children and other implementing partners will certainly provide their continuous support in implementing and promoting the national program of cervical cancer screening as a lawful right guaranteed by the law for all women.

This pilot project is a result of the cooperation between the Department for Health and Social Welfare in Municipality of Prishtina, National Board for Cancer Control, Main Family Medicine Center in Prishtina, Institute of Pathology at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo, Action for Mothers and Children, 700 for Science Foundation, World Health Organization-office in Prishtina and the United Nations Population Fund-office in Prishtina.