Pristina, Kosovo – A power outage at the University Clinical Centre of Kosovo (QKUK) has disrupted surgical operations at the main surgical clinic, though critical areas are being maintained by generator power, officials confirmed on Saturday, February 14, 2026. The disruption, caused by a fault in a transformer supplying the hospital, underscores the fragility of infrastructure and the challenges facing healthcare facilities in the region.
The incident began earlier today, impacting the surgical clinic’s ability to perform procedures. Mirlinda Qyqalla, spokesperson for QKUK, stated that technical teams responded immediately to the transformer failure and are working alongside KEDS, Kosovo’s energy distribution company, to restore power. “After a defect in a transformer behind the clinic, technical teams reacted promptly and went to the scene. KEDS maintenance teams are also on site working to fix the defect,” Qyqalla said, as reported by Gazeta-Express.
To ensure continuity of care for patients requiring immediate attention, generators have been activated at critical points within the clinic. This temporary measure is allowing essential services to continue while repairs are underway. The focus remains on minimizing disruption to patient care and maintaining a safe environment for both patients and staff. The situation highlights the importance of backup power systems in healthcare settings, particularly in areas prone to infrastructure vulnerabilities.
Power Outage at Mitrovica Hospital
This incident at QKUK follows a similar situation earlier this month at the Dr. Sami Haxhibeqiri Hospital in Mitrovica, where a defect in the city’s transformer also caused a power outage. Like the current situation in Pristina, vital functions at the Mitrovica hospital were maintained through the use of generators, demonstrating a reliance on backup systems to mitigate the impact of power disruptions. The February 6th outage in Mitrovica also involved KEDS teams working to resolve the issue.
Impact on Surgical Procedures
While the immediate focus is on maintaining essential services, the power outage is inevitably causing delays and rescheduling of non-emergency surgical procedures. The extent of these disruptions is still being assessed, but QKUK officials are working to minimize the impact on patients. The reliance on generator power, while effective in the short term, is not a sustainable solution for complex surgical operations that require a stable and consistent power supply.
The use of generators also introduces logistical challenges, including fuel supply and maintenance, which must be carefully managed to ensure uninterrupted operation. Healthcare facilities typically have protocols in place for such emergencies, but prolonged outages can strain resources and potentially compromise patient safety.
KEDS Response and Restoration Efforts
KEDS is currently working to identify the cause of the transformer failure and implement repairs. The company has not yet provided a specific timeline for full power restoration, but Qyqalla indicated that efforts are underway to expedite the process. Regular updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The incident raises questions about the age and maintenance of Kosovo’s power infrastructure and the demand for investment in upgrades to prevent future disruptions.
The situation at QKUK underscores the broader challenges facing healthcare systems in the region, including limited resources and aging infrastructure. Ensuring reliable access to electricity is crucial for providing quality healthcare services, and addressing these vulnerabilities is a priority for both the government and healthcare providers.
As of 6:52 PM local time on February 14, 2026, KEDS teams remain on site at the University Clinical Centre of Kosovo, working to restore power to the surgical clinic. Further updates will be provided as they become available. Patients with scheduled appointments are advised to check with the hospital for the latest information.
Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
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