Corruption case at district hospital in Florești

Minister of Health Emil Ceban condemned the corruption activities under investigation at Florești District Hospital, saying that such practices are “unworthy of the institution” and damage the image of the entire medical system. His statements came after the National Anticorruption Center and prosecutors from Bălți conducted on May 11 criminal prosecution actions in a case targeting several employees of the medical institution.

“The Ministry of Health, I want to inform you that we strongly condemn all forms of corruption that exist. We condemn them and will cooperate, and we will handle this in such a way that these ugly elements, which are unworthy of the Ministry of Health and unworthy of the institution, do not recur and disappear from the health system,” said Emil Ceban.

The minister noted that before the information appeared in the public space, he had made a working visit to Florești, where he inspected the district hospital and the local health center and held discussions with the institution’s management. According to the official, the Florești District Hospital is one of the best-organized district hospitals he has visited since taking office.

“I saw an extraordinary hospital, a very well-organized, well-arranged hospital, and I was disheartened by what I then saw in the press,” the minister said.

Asked about the individuals targeted in the investigation, Emil Ceban said that he learned the details from the media and it would be about “3–4 people” involved in activities related to the issuance of certificates and medical documents.

According to the National Anticorruption Center, the head of the Outpatient Department of the Florești District Hospital is suspected of having demanded and received money from patients and other beneficiaries for issuing urgent medical referrals to republican institutions, sick leave certificates, and documents required for extending firearm permits.

In the same case, the senior nurse of the department is also under investigation, suspected of influence peddling. At the same time, during the investigations, other alleged illegal acts committed by employees of the medical institution were documented, with another 11 criminal cases being opened and joined to the main case.