Vitia: All measures will be taken over baby mix-up, with no violations tolerated

Minister of Health Arben Vitia has said that the case involving the mix-up of babies at “American Hospital 2” in Graçanicë will be addressed with all necessary measures and that the responsible institutions will not be allowed to escape accountability for any lapse.

According to him, several officials who took part in the inspection of the case have been referred to the Disciplinary Commission for review. Other measures have also been planned against the individuals concerned because of alleged violations during the inspection process.

“A meeting was held yesterday with the chief inspector, and several of the individuals currently suspected of violating the rules during the inspection have been referred to the Disciplinary Commission. Other measures have also been taken, including warnings. All measures will be taken, and no lapse by any institution will be tolerated,” Vitia said.

He called on citizens who disagree with any action or decision by the Health Inspectorate to also contact the Ministry of Health.

Vitia recalled that health inspectors are responsible for supervising public and private institutions. However, he acknowledged that it is not possible to inspect all institutions in real time.

“What matters is that after every inspection, whenever violations are identified, the appropriate measures are taken in accordance with the legislation in force, regardless of where they are found,” the minister said.

For more detailed information regarding the work of inspectors and the measures taken, the minister directed questions to the chief health inspector.

The case at “American Hospital 2” reportedly occurred on March 18, 2026. The family’s complaint states that medical staff took the baby, while the following day the mother was handed another baby. The mix-up was discovered after the parents insisted and subsequent checks were carried out.

The Ministry of Health announced that the Health Inspectorate had conducted an inspection into the case involving the exchange of babies at American Hospital 2 in Graçanicë, which had occurred on March 18, 2026. According to the ministry, the inspection identified shortcomings in the procedures for identifying and verifying the baby when handing the child over to the mother.

A review of the documentation also showed that the nurse had a valid work license, but was not registered in the system of the Department of Licensing and Accreditation (DLA). The Ministry of Health said shortcomings were also identified in the way Health Inspectorate officials handled the case.

According to the ministry’s statement, the Chief Health Inspector referred the inspector involved in the case to the Disciplinary Commission for review of the suspected violation. Meanwhile, the archives official was punished with a written warning, while the head of the Health Inspectorate received a verbal warning.

The Ministry of Health expressed regret for the distress and uncertainty that the case caused the affected family.