Several of Kosovo’s main public health institutions continue to be led by acting directors, with some exceeding the legal time limits for holding such temporary positions. The lack of permanent leadership and the repeated annulment of recruitment processes are raising concerns over institutional integrity and legality.
Among them, the Kosovo Agency for Medicinal Products (AKPM) has been headed by an acting executive director for seven consecutive years—directly violating legal provisions. The latest recruitment process for this position, announced on February 28, 2025, was canceled last week. The Independent Oversight Board for the Civil Service of Kosovo nullified the entire process after identifying significant legal violations during the shortlisting of candidates.
In its decision, the Oversight Board stated:
“Candidates who did not meet the criteria were included in the shortlist, while qualified candidates were excluded, in violation of the Law on Public Officials. Consequently, the recruitment process is deemed unlawful.”
AKPM has not responded to inquiries regarding these findings nor has it indicated when a new call for applications will be opened.
Similarly, Kosovo’s largest healthcare institution—the University Clinical Center of Kosovo (QKUK)—has been under acting leadership for a year and a half. Two attempts to fill the director’s position have failed, with the latest annulled on April 29 due to legal deadline violations.
In a written statement, QKUK said:
“We are aware of the importance of institutional stability. A new recruitment process for the director’s position is planned within a reasonable timeframe, in coordination with relevant authorities and in line with legal procedures.”
Recent amendments to the Law on Public Officials, effective since June 2, 2025, now allow acting roles to be held for up to two years, up from the previous one-year limit. However, legal experts warn that institutions are abusing this flexibility.
Ema Pula, project manager at the Group for Legal and Political Studies (GLPS), emphasized:
“Prolonged acting leadership undermines institutional integrity and can make all decisions made after the legal deadline legally questionable.”
Besides QKUK and AKPM, the director positions at regional hospitals in Vushtrri, Mitrovica, Ferizaj, and Prizren are also filled by acting officials. The Hospital and University Clinical Service of Kosovo (SHSKUK) has canceled director recruitment processes in Ferizaj and Mitrovica for the second time.
The continuous delay in finalizing leadership appointments risks both the credibility and functionality of vital public health institutions in the country.
