Death of 37-year-old pregnant woman during transport to Tirana, criminal proceedings initiated against three doctors suspected of neglecting the case (NAMES)

Police have launched an investigation into three doctors over the death of 37-year-old pregnant woman Marjana Karolina Bunaj in Pogradec, who are suspected of neglecting the case.

The doctors are Blerta Delija, a gynecological surgeon; Saimir Cela, a surgeon; and Anri Ttopi, an anesthesiologist.

According to a police statement, on the evening of August 30, 2026, the 36-year-old woman went to the maternity hospital in Pogradec in poor health.

After examining her, the three doctors decided that the woman should be transported by ambulance to a maternity hospital in Tirana to receive specialized care.

However, her health deteriorated on the way. She was therefore taken to the maternity unit of Elbasan Hospital, where doctors determined that she had died.

Statement:

Specialists from the Pogradec Police Commissariat’s Crime Investigation Unit referred the case file to the Prosecutor’s Office, where criminal proceedings were initiated against the following individuals: B. D., 35, a resident of Elbasan; A. T., 40; and S. Ç., 34, both residents of Pogradec, who work as doctors at the Pogradec maternity hospital.

On the evening of August 30, 2026, M. K., 36, seven months pregnant, went to the Pogradec maternity hospital in poor health. After being examined by the three doctors, the 36-year-old woman was transported by ambulance to a maternity hospital in Tirana for specialized medical care. However, as her health deteriorated on the way, she was taken to the maternity unit of Elbasan Hospital, where it was determined that she had died.

The case file was referred to the Korçë Prosecutor’s Office for further action over the criminal offense of “Negligence in medical treatment.”