Pristina, October 9, 2026 – Deputy Ombudsperson Mr. Basri Kastrati and the Director of the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM), Ms. Shqipe Ibraj Mala, accompanied by NPM staff, visited the Special Institute in Shtime on Friday.

The visit took place ahead of World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10.

The team was welcomed by the Institute’s Director, Mr. Xhemajl Dugolli, and his staff. They discussed the daily operations and activities of this residential facility, which provides care—including health and social services—to 61 individuals lacking family support.

During the meeting, Director Dugolli highlighted that the budget for the current year has seen a satisfactory increase. He also informed the team that the construction of the new facility is proceeding according to plan and that the work is progressing well.

The Institute provides 24-hour services for persons with special needs, including food, clothing, healthcare, occupational therapy, educational and skills-building activities, as well as social care. During the visit, Deputy Ombudsman Mr. Basri Kastrati, accompanied by the NPM team, toured the workshops, day centers, medical room, kitchen, and other areas used by the residents to gain firsthand insight into the conditions and services provided to them.

Mr. Kastrati emphasized the importance of the continued development and improvement of the Institute’s services, expressing the Ombudsman Institution’s readiness to contribute—within its mandate—to the further advancement of the rights and well-being of the individuals benefiting from the institution’s services.