PM, industry representatives discuss development of medical tourism in Moldova

The development potential of medical tourism in Moldova, opportunities to attract foreign patients and the measures needed to support this sector have been discussed at meeting between Prime Minister Vasile Tofan and representatives of the Medical Tourism Association.

The PM highlighted the importance of medical tourism as a sector with economic growth potential, which can contribute to attracting investment, developing private medical services and promoting Moldova on international markets.

“We need to develop new engines of economic growth. Medical tourism is a sector that has grown thanks to private initiative and investment and that has a competitive advantage. The role of the state is to facilitate this development, simplify procedures and remove barriers that hinder the expansion of activities,” the prime minister emphasized.

During the discussions, representatives of the Association presented the sector’s development, investment projects and the main challenges faced by operators in the field. The topics addressed included simplifying the accreditation procedures for medical institutions, facilitating the work of foreign specialists, improving the accessibility of Moldova for international patients and promoting medical services abroad.

The sides also emphasized the importance of transport infrastructure and related services, including accommodation and tourism, for enhancing Moldova’s attractiveness as a destination for medical services.

Another topic concerned the removal of administrative barriers. Recently, the Executive approved a deregulation package that eliminates more than 30 unnecessary overregulations and simplifies procedures in more fields, in order to facilitate business development. The government will continue its dialogue with sector’s representatives and its deregulation efforts, in order to create better conditions for the development of medical tourism in Moldova.