Moldova’s doctor exodus reverses: Half of graduates join district hospitals
Half of all medical graduates in Moldova now start their careers in district hospitals, the Ministry of Health says.
The employment rate for young doctors outside the capital, Chișinău, has nearly quadrupled in the last two years. Authorities view this as clear progress in healthcare human resources policy.
The Health Minister, Ala Nemerenco, says that while the staffing shortfall remains a challenge, the situation is manageable.
"The general shortage of staff is not critical, as is frequently stated, but we must acknowledge that we have some areas that are critical. I am referring to family medicine, forensic medicine, intensive care units, and highly specialised fields – oncologists, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists, and neurologists in the districts."
The minister stressed that incentives for young specialists were working:
"The employment rate for young graduates in the regions was just 14% between 2014 and 2018. In the last two years, we have reached 47–49%. This means that half of all graduates are taking up posts outside the capital."
"Working in district institutions is more attractive now because they have been equipped with modern facilities and services are more accessible to patients," said Cristina Ţurcan. She is one of more than 3,000 medical staff who commute daily in Moldova. Ms Ţurcan travels 160km (100 miles) a day, round trip, from Chișinău to the hospital in Căușeni, where she works as a paediatrician.
"The districts are no longer intimidating. On the contrary, they offer very good opportunities. The hospitals have been modernised. We have advanced equipment—ultrasound, digital radiography, CT scanners. You have everything at hand to make a definite diagnosis and apply correct treatment," she added.
The doctor also emphasised that working in the field was not just a professional stage, but one of social responsibility:
"Patients there need doctors because not everyone can afford to travel to Chișinău. That way, we don't overcrowd, for example, the Mother and Child Institute with lighter cases. Otherwise, when you have a more serious case, you have nowhere to transfer them, as there are no available beds."
In total, the Moldovan healthcare system employs more than 12,600 doctors and 23,700 support medical specialists.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
Author: Cristina Prisacari
