A roundtable discussion in Prishtina on Friday, April 18, 2026, brought together health institutions, civil society, and patient representatives to mark European Patients’ Rights Day, placing this year’s focus on “Personalized Prevention.” Organized by the Patients’ Rights Association in Kosovo (PRAK) in cooperation with Patient Councils and partners, the event highlighted the growing need to shift healthcare systems toward prevention.
Observed across Europe on 18 April, the day serves as a reminder of the importance of patients’ rights and the responsibility of health systems to respond to citizens’ needs. In Kosovo, discussions centered on how prevention, particularly approaches tailored to individual risk and circumstances, can help address the rising burden of chronic diseases and ease long-term pressure on services.
Participants pointed to persistent challenges, including limited access to preventive care, gaps in coordination between levels of the system, and the need for policies that place prevention more firmly at the center of healthcare delivery. At the same time, the discussion underscored the importance of strengthening primary healthcare, improving health literacy, and advancing systems that support continuity of care, such as patient lists and integrated health information.
A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the role of patients not only as beneficiaries of care, but as contributors to how it is shaped. Greater inclusion of patient perspectives in decision, making and service design was seen as essential to building a more responsive and sustainable system.
Patient Councils were highlighted as a key mechanism in this effort, serving as a bridge between communities and healthcare providers. Currently, in Kosovo, with support of the AQH Project, have been established 9 Patient Councils, located in Rahovec, Lipjan, Mitrovica, Obiliq, Vitia, Drenas, Prizren, Ferizaj, and Kaçanik, with 10 more in establishment process, they support patients in addressing concerns, raising awareness, and advocating for more inclusive services.
The roundtable was supported by the AQH project, supporting efforts to advance patients’ rights and improve the quality of healthcare services in Kosovo.