Better conditions in Moldova's hospitals: 14 medical institutions to be energy rehabilitated through INSPIREE project

A total of 14 buildings of medical institutions from nine districts will undergo  energy rehabilitation as part of the Initiative for the development of sustainable public infrastructure through energy efficiency renovations (INSPIREE) project. District hospitals of Drochia, Balti, Floresti, Orhei, Falesti, Ungheni, Hancesti, Causeni and Cahul will benefit from the renovations. Collaboration agreements on the implementation of the project were signed today in the presence of the beneficiaries and development partners.

The 14 buildings cover over 34,000 m² and include therapeutic, consultative, pediatric, surgical and infectious disease blocks. The project will start with energy audits and technical documentation in 2026, with the main works taking place between 2028-2030.

Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu said that signing the financing agreements for energy efficiency works in the beneficiary medical institutions was a concrete step towards a more efficient, resilient and responsible state towards people and energy resources.

‘’The cheapest energy is the one we do not consume. Currently, energy losses in public buildings can reach up to 50 per cent or even more in certain cases. Most public buildings of Moldova have not undergone significant rehabilitations in the last ten years and no longer meet current construction and energy efficiency standards,’’ said Minister Dorin Junghietu.

The official emphasized that, as part of the INSPIREE project, the selected buildings would benefit from more energy efficiency works, including insulation of walls and modernizing heating systems.

‘’We are talking about safer, more comfortable hospitals for our patients, better conditions for medical staff and lower costs for the public budget. The energy savings can be directed towards medical services, equipment and investments that matter and have a direct impact on people,’’ added the minister.

Health Minister Emil Ceban noted that the 14 buildings to be energetically rehabilitated served approximately 3,000 patients daily. According to him, buildings’ rehabilitation will create safer and more comfortable conditions for treatments, support medical staff in carrying out their activities and reduce energy costs.

‘’The saved resources can be redirected towards improving medical care and modernizing hospitals’ equipment,’’ explained Emil Ceban.

Ambassador of Germany to Moldova Hubert Knirsch said that the project's implementation would bring concrete benefits to citizens.

‘’The INSPIREE project is of major importance and will contribute directly to improving living conditions in Moldova. This cooperation comes with tangible benefits for citizens. Investments in the energy efficiency of hospitals reduce energy costs, carbon emissions and create better conditions for patients and medical staff,’’ said the official.

Ambassador of France to Moldova Dominique Waag said that renovating these buildings was an investment in Moldova's regions, its people and the country's future.

‘’Hospitals must be places where people feel safe, protected and cared for, not buildings burdened with high energy bills, low thermal comfort and structural vulnerabilities. The programme’s impact translates into tangible benefits, reducing energy consumption by up to 50 per cent, warmer rooms, safer environments, more reliable energy systems, reduced maintenance costs and a healthier indoor climate for all those who depend on these institutions daily,’’ emphasized the ambassador.

The INSPIREE project is implemented by the government, through the Energy Ministry and the Energy Project Implementation Unit. It is financed by the French Development Agency (AFD), through a loan of 30 million euros, and the government of Germany, which provided a grant of 38.7 million euros through KfW. In total, 30 public buildings are to be energy rehabilitated within the project: 14 buildings of district medical institutions, 16 buildings of higher and professional technical education institutions. In total, over 90,000 m² will be transformed into safe, accessible and environmentally friendly spaces.