Approximately 700 patients are currently awaiting necessary artificial knee prostheses. Despite a nearly 10 percent increase in procedures for both knee and hip replacements recorded during 2025, the waiting lists continue to remain long. Specific medical facilities report varied waiting periods.
At the Thoracic Surgery Clinic, patients can face delays of up to 18 months for an intervention. Meanwhile, the “Erazmo” Hospital in Ohër reports wait times ranging from four to nine months. Information regarding the waiting times at the “8th of November” Hospital was not publicly released.
According to the director of the Health Insurance Fund, the extended delays are attributed to several factors, including the ongoing renovation of operating rooms. Furthermore, the director noted that a segment of patients opting for private surgeons contributes to the existing backlog. Institutional data suggests that there are approximately 660 patients on waiting lists, with over 400 knee prostheses having completed the necessary tender process at one facility.
These figures highlight the current capacity challenges within the public healthcare system. The substantial waiting periods in months suggest that the backlog will remain a significant issue, keeping the wait times long for many patients needing orthopedic care.
Topics: #months #remain #long
This wait time for necessary surgeries is genuinely alarming and unacceptable.