Strengthening the Implementation of National CPGs and clinical protocols in primary healthcare

On 1 September 2026, the Accessible Quality Healthcare (AQH) project organised a workshop in Pristina focused on strengthening the implementation of national Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) and relevant clinical protocols and guidelines for the management of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in primary healthcare. 

The workshop brought together directors of Main Family Medicine Centres and quality coordinators from AQH-supported municipalities, representatives of the Ministry of Health and the National Council for Clinical Guidelines and Protocols, as well as representatives of the AQH project. 

During the workshop, participants reviewed the findings of two clinical audits on management of hypertension and diabetes in primary healthcare facilities supported by AQH. The findings provided a basis for discussing the current level of implementation of national guidelines and protocols, as well as the main gaps and challenges affecting their application in daily clinical practice. 

In addition, the head of the Division for Quality, Safety and Accreditation at the Ministry of Health, Mr. Hajrulla Fejza, presented the MoH-approved Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on the Monitoring of the Implementation of Clinical Guidelines and Protocols in Health Institutions. 

The discussions resulted in the identification of priority areas and practical actions for improving adherence to nationally approved Clinical Practice Guidelines and clinical protocols. Participants also emphasized the importance of continued coordination among primary healthcare institutions, municipalities, the Ministry of Health, and the National Council for Clinical Guidelines and Protocols. 

Strengthening the systematic implementation and monitoring of these guidelines is an important step towards improving the management of chronic diseases and ensuring more consistent, high-quality care for patients across Kosovo.