Emil Ceban: Diploma issuing process at USMF 'Nicolae Testemițanu' strictly regulated, and rector's signature mandatory step for all diplomas

The diploma issuing process at the State University of Medicine and Pharmacy 'Nicolae Testemițanu' in the Republic of Moldova is digitized and strictly regulated, and the rector's signature is a mandatory step for all diplomas issued. Minister of Health Emil Ceban made the statement, after information appeared in the press that the official, in his capacity as rector of USMF signed the diplomas of Romanian doctors who are being investigated for allegedly obtaining them fraudulently.

Emil Ceban stated that in his capacity as rector of the State University of Medicine and Pharmacy 'Nicolae Testemițanu', he signed thousands of diplomas annually, in accordance with a standard administrative procedure.


'The diploma issuing process is digitized and strictly regulated, and the rector's signature is a mandatory step for all diplomas issued by the university. I have never had reason to doubt the authenticity of these documents,' the minister mentioned.


Moreover, Ceban stated that if it is found that in the case of certain diplomas presented for signing, certain internal university procedures have been violated, he is 'the most interested in finding out who is responsible.'


'If, following the investigations by the prosecutors, it is found that some diplomas presented for signing reached me in violation of certain internal university procedures, I am the most interested in finding out who is responsible and I ask the competent authorities of both states to clarify the situation,' emphasized Emil Ceban.


On the morning of 5 November, 14 searches were conducted in Romania at the premises of an institution and at the homes of some individuals. 'The evidence showed that the residency studies, which would have required the mandatory physical presence of resident doctors at university clinical bases, did not actually take place, given that during the specialization courses, the resident doctors were in Romania, where they were employed full-time,' the Romanian Police press release reads.

On the same day, Ceban, who until recently held the position of rector of the State University of Medicine and Pharmacy 'Nicolae Testemițanu', reacted by categorically rejecting any accusations or suspicions that the institution would have issued residency diplomas to Romanian doctors who did not attend the courses. 'This is fake,' declared Emil Ceban.

According to the investigation, they would have requested the recognition in Romania of qualification titles obtained in the Republic of Moldova, although, according to the evidence, the studies did not actually take place. 'The University of Medicine cannot do such a thing,' the minister replied.

Furthermore, the administration announced today that it has taken up the case and will launch an internal investigation.