Dutch pediatric group gifted ambulance to Chișinău Oncology Institute
This is a ray of hope for young cancer fighters. On Thursday, a foundation that supports pediatric cancer treatments donated a specially equipped ambulance to the Oncology Institute. The vehicle is outfitted with intensive care equipment and will be used to transfer children to hospitals or treatment centers.
Six months ago, eight-year-old Nichita, the son of Vera Ceteli, was admitted to the hospital with a sore throat, but his condition kept getting worse. After several tests, doctors diagnosed him with leukemia. Since he couldn't receive treatment at the hospital in Ceadîr-Lunga, he was transferred to the Oncology Institute in Chișinău.
We were transported by ambulance, but it wasn’t equipped with child safety belts. At the time of hospitalization, my son couldn’t stand up anymore, so he couldn’t be properly secured. It wasn't easy. That’s why I believe we need ambulances properly equipped for children.
Lilia, who comes from the left bank of the Nistru, arrived at the Oncology Institute with her 14-year-old son in January. The teenager was diagnosed with leukemia and has been undergoing inpatient treatment for over three months. She says cancer patients must receive qualified care, including during transfers to various medical institutions.
We discovered the illness by chance. He was usually full of energy, but suddenly he became pale and tired easily, and we didn’t know what to think. We went to the doctor, were referred to the Mother and Child Institute, and from there ended up at the Oncology Institute, where the diagnosis was confirmed.
The special ambulance received by the Oncology Institute allows for the monitoring of young patients in critical condition—those in need of specialized consultations or specific interventions.
“The ambulance is equipped with everything needed to monitor and support vital functions, and, if necessary, to carry out treatments, including resuscitation in the most severe clinical situations—comparable to intensive care conditions,” said Ruslan Baltaga, Director of the Oncology Institute.
“This ambulance offers more opportunities for children with cancer because such cases require integrated treatment. It can be used when a child needs to be transferred to intensive care or for a cardiology consultation. This way, children can receive care in line with international protocols,” added Renske Karens, manager of the donating organization.
The ambulance is valued at approximately 51,000 euros. It was donated by the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology in the Netherlands. Each year, around one hundred children are diagnosed with cancer in the Republic of Moldova.
