Health Information Systems in Kosovo: A Critical Review of Challenges, Opportunities, and Pathways for Public Health Improvement

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15698719

Keywords:

Health information systems (HIS), public health, technological integration, health equity, Kosovo

Abstract

Kosovo faces significant challenges in developing robust health information systems (HIS) to support evidence-based public health decision-making. Fragmented data infrastructure, limited resources, and insufficient policy alignment hinder the country’s ability to implement effective HIS. This article examines Kosovo’s existing health data policies and strategies, identifying critical gaps and opportunities for improvement. It proposes a framework focused on technological integration, capacity-building, policy alignment, and community engagement to enhance HIS functionality. By addressing these systemic challenges, Kosovo can improve health equity, optimize resource allocation, and build resilience in its public health sector. This study underscores the importance of tailored, context-specific approaches to HIS reform in a developing country setting.

Author Biography

Besnik Salihu, Western University

Besnik Salihu holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree and is affiliated with Western University, where he contributes as a public health specialist. His research focuses on public health systems, One Health approaches, health information systems, and strategies to improve healthcare equity in resource-constrained settings. Besnik is deeply engaged in advancing evidence-based health policies and has worked on initiatives that address systemic public health challenges through innovative solutions and interdisciplinary collaboration.

References

Ahsan, M. K., & Raihan, M. A. (2016). Emerging technologies for health information systems in developing countries. Journal of Health Informatics in Africa, 3(1), 56–63. https://doi.org/10.12856/JHIA.V3I1.123

Braa, J., & Sahay, S. (2012). Integrated health information architecture: Power to the users. Health Informatics Journal, 18(2), 109–120. https://doi.org/10.1177/1460458212446456

Brizendine, L. (2020). Challenges in accessing healthcare services in Kosovo. Balkan Medical Journal, 9(2), 123–130.

Bryman, Alan. (2016). Social research methods (5th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Fisher, M. P., & Hamer, M. K. (2020). Qualitative methods in health policy and systems research: A framework for study planning. Qualitative Health Research, 30(12), 1899–1912. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049732320921143

Garcia, L. (2023). Achieving digital equity in Kosovo. World Bank Reports.

Gërguri, D. (2024). Analyzing the digital transformation of healthcare in Kosovo (Bachelor’s thesis). Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.

Green, J., & Thorogood, N. (2018). Qualitative methods for health research (4th ed.). Sage Publications.

Heeks, R. (2006). Health information systems: Failure, success, and improvisation. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 75(2), 125–137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2005.07.024

Hoxha, E., Taganoviq, A., & Hysenaj, V. (2021). Integration of digital tools in healthcare practices in Kosovo. Kosovo Journal of Digital Transformation, 4(2), 49–55.

Hoxha, I., Apuk, V., Kryeziu, B., Rashiti, P., Aliu, M., Gonzalez Aquines, A., Khan, O., & Nguyen, H. T. H. (2023). Management of non-communicable diseases in Kosovo: A scoping review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(4), 3299.

Katanolli, R. (2023). Non-communicable disease prevention in Kosovo. Kosovo Journal of Public Health.

Kayesa, N. K., & Shung-King, M. (2021). The role of document analysis in health policy analysis studies in low- and middle-income countries: Lessons for HPA researchers from a qualitative systematic review. Health Policy OPEN.

Kroçi, A. (2023). Building cybersecurity resilience through education. Kosovo Centre for Security Studies Reports.

Loku, A., & Loku, N. (2024). Management optimizing healthcare delivery through advanced information system management: A financial and operational perspective for Kosovo's healthcare sector. Pakistan Journal of Life and Social Sciences, 22(2), 878–892.

Luna, D., Almerares, A., Mayan, J. C. III, González Bernaldo de Quirós, F., & Otero, C. (2014). Health informatics in developing countries: Going beyond pilot practices to sustainable implementations: A review of the current challenges. Healthcare Informatics Research, 20(1), 3–10.

Luna, D., Mayan, J. C., García, M. J., Almerares, A. A., & Househ, M. (2014). Challenges and potential solutions for big data implementations in developing countries. Yearbook of Medical Informatics, 9(1), 36–41.

Ministry of Health, Kosovo. (2011). Strategy for health information system 2010–2020. Ministry of Health.

Ministry of Health, Kosovo. (2021). Health sector strategy 2017–2021. Ministry of Health.

Ministry of Health, Kosovo. (2023). Feasibility assessment for HIS implementation. Ministry of Health.

Ministry of Public Services, Kosovo. (2008). Infrastructure development and digitization report. Ministry of Public Services.

National Audit Office, Kosovo. (2017). Audit report: Implementation of health information system. National Audit Office.

Official Gazette of the Republic of Kosovo. (2013). Law No. 04/L-125 on health.

Official Gazette of the Republic of Kosovo. (2019). Law No. 06/L-082 on protection of personal data.

Open Data Kosovo. (2020). Cybersecurity challenges in Kosovo.

Protti, D. (2009). Integrated care needs integrated information management and technology. Healthcare Quarterly, 13(Special Issue), 24–29.

Rugova, B. (2022). Challenges in collecting health statistics in Kosovo. Kosovo Health Policy Review.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (2021). Digital household survey. UNDP Kosovo.

World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Digital health for the achievement of sustainable development goals. WHO.

Ylli, A., Kelmendi, F., & Halili, I. (2017). Barriers to health system reform in Kosovo. Balkan Journal of Health Management, 11(1), 10–17.

Ymerhalili, A., Samanta, D., & Podder, S. (2024). Impact of health information systems on healthcare service quality in supporting non-communicable disease management in Kosovo. In Cyber intelligence and information retrieval (pp. 219–229). Springer

Downloads

Published

2025-06-20

How to Cite

Salihu, B., & Limani, M. (2025). Health Information Systems in Kosovo: A Critical Review of Challenges, Opportunities, and Pathways for Public Health Improvement . Journal of Social and Educational Research, 4(1), 61–67. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15698719

Issue

Section

Research Articles