Allowance for young doctors to increase to 250,000 lei starting from 2027 cohort, says Moldovan health minister

The state will increase, starting from the 2027 cohort, the allowance provided to young doctors who choose to work in rural areas, which will reach 250,000 lei, Health Minister Emil Ceban has said in an interview given with MOLDPRES.

According to the official, this measure is part of a comprehensive package of financial and contractual incentives, aimed at reducing the shortage of medical staff in rural areas and attracting young specialists to regional medical institutions.

“Presently, young doctors receive a one-time allowance of 120,000 lei, provided after six months of activity, as well as compensations for rent, utilities and transportation. They are employed full time for a minimum period of three years. Starting with the 2027 cohort, the allowance will be increased to 250,000 lei, to be paid in two installments, with the obligation to serve at least five years in rural areas,” said the official.

At the same time, through tripartite contracts, signed during the residency admission stage, the planned placement of doctors in local medical institutions is provided.

The minister specified that, currently, most vacancies were recorded in family medicine, with approximately 250 unoccupied positions, followed by emergency medicine – 85 vacancies and general surgery – 53 vacancies. There are also significant deficits in anesthesia and intensive care (107 vacancies), as well as in radiology and medical imaging (77 vacancies).

Following the distribution of the 2025 cohort, about 340 residency programme graduates will be integrated into the medical system, partially covering the staffing needs, especially in primary healthcare and pre-hospital emergency medicine.

The Health Ministry says it will continue to expand support measures for young specialists, so that access to quality medical services is ensured in all regions of Moldova.