More Than Two Decades of Partnership: Luxembourg Strengthens Cardiac Care in Kosovo

The renovated Coronary Care Unit at the University Clinical Centre of Kosovo (UCCK) was inaugurated on 27 October 2026, marking another significant achievement in more than two decades of Luxembourg's support to the development of Kosovo's healthcare sector.
 

Financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg through the Health Support Programme in Kosovo – Phase II, implemented by LuxDev in partnership with the Ministry of Health, the investment strengthens the Cardiology Clinic’s capacity to deliver timely, high-quality care to patients with serious cardiovascular conditions.
 

The inauguration ceremony brought together Prime Minister Albin Kurti, Minister of Health Arben Vitia, Eric Dietz, Head of Mission of the Embassy of Luxembourg in Kosovo, as well as representatives of the University Clinical Centre of Kosovo and healthcare professionals.

Better care when it matters most

Equipped with modern facilities, additional beds and advanced monitoring equipment, the renovated Coronary Care Unit provides improved conditions for both patients and medical staff. The investment is expected to increase the Cardiology Clinic’s treatment capacity by 30 to 40 percent, allowing more patients to receive specialised care during the most critical stages of heart disease.
 

Cardiovascular diseases remain among the leading causes of illness and mortality in Kosovo. Ensuring rapid access to quality treatment can make a decisive difference in patient outcomes. “Our ambition is clear: to ensure that more patients can receive the right treatment at the right time, and as close to home as possible,” said Eric Dietz, Head of Mission of the Embassy of Luxembourg in Kosovo. This vision reflects Luxembourg’s broader commitment to strengthening access to quality healthcare services throughout the country.

Prime Minister Kurti thanked Luxembourg for its continued support and emphasised the importance of translating investments into better services and improved healthcare outcomes for citizens.

Building a stronger cardiac care network

The renovated Coronary Care Unit complements the Catheterization Laboratory (CathLab) at UCCK, financed by Luxembourg and inaugurated in November 2025. Since becoming operational, the facility has enabled more than 3,000 patients to benefit from advanced diagnostic and interventional cardiology services.
 

Together with the CathLab at Prizren General Hospital, inaugurated in June 2024, these investments are contributing to the development of a more integrated cardiac care network across Kosovo, enabling patients to receive specialised diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care closer to their communities. By strengthening infrastructure and expanding access to specialised services, Luxembourg is supporting Kosovo’s efforts to improve cardiovascular care nationwide and respond more effectively to one of the country’s most significant public health challenges.
 

Investing in people and expertise

Luxembourg’s support extends beyond buildings and equipment. A central element of the partnership is the development of healthcare professionals and the strengthening of institutional capacities.

Through its collaboration with the National Institute of Cardiac Surgery and Interventional Cardiology (INCCI) in Luxembourg, Kosovo’s cardiology teams benefit from professional exchanges, mentoring and the sharing of expertise. These partnerships help healthcare professionals enhance their skills, adopt international good practices and further improve the quality and safety of patient care.

As Mr. Dietz noted during the inauguration, “Modern hospitals and advanced medical equipment are only part of the equation. The true strength of any healthcare system lies in its people,” paying tribute to the dedication and professionalism of Kosovo's doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers.

More than two decades of partnership

Luxembourg has been a committed partner of Kosovo's health sector for more than two decades. During this time, cooperation has contributed to significant improvements in emergency medicine, neonatal intensive care, pathology, pulmonology and healthcare infrastructure, helping strengthen the quality, accessibility and resilience of healthcare services across the country. From Prizren to Gjilan and Prishtina, Luxembourg-supported investments have improved treatment conditions, expanded access to specialised care and strengthened the capacities of health institutions. 
 

Beyond hospital-based interventions, Luxembourg has also supported community health and early childhood development through its partnership with UNICEF. Initiatives such as the Home Visiting Programme, the Guide for Monitoring Child Development and Group Care for Parenting have strengthened support for young children and families, with a focus on vulnerable communities while helping healthcare and social service professionals deliver more effective, evidence-based care.
 

This comprehensive approach reflects Luxembourg's long-standing commitment to strengthening the health sector at every level, from highly specialised cardiac care and hospital infrastructure to preventive services, child health and professional capacity development.

Support continues through the ongoing renovation and modernisation of the General Hospital in Gjilan and the construction of the joint building for Kosovo's five professional medical chambers. Looking ahead, Luxembourg will continue supporting cooperation with INCCI from Luxembourg to further strengthen cardiovascular and stroke care in Kosovo. Additional initiatives include the establishment of a simulation centre, which will create new opportunities for practical training, skills development and continuous professional education for students and healthcare professionals across Kosovo.

The inauguration of the Coronary Care Unit is another tangible result of this enduring partnership and of the shared commitment of Luxembourg and Kosovo to building a stronger, more accessible and more resilient healthcare system. As Mr. Dietz emphasised, "Ultimately, the success of our cooperation is not measured by the number of buildings we renovate or the equipment we provide. It is measured by the lives we help save and the quality of care we help improve."