Health Minister denies allegations of alleged fake diplomas issued to Romanian doctors

Health Minister Emil Ceban, who until recently held the position of rector at Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, categorically denies any accusations or suspicions that the institution has issued residency diplomas to doctors from Romania who did not attend courses. "It's a fake," Emil Ceban stated in response to information that surfaced after Romanian authorities conducted searches in a case targeting several Romanian doctors.

According to the investigation, these individuals allegedly requested recognition in Romania of qualifications obtained in the Republic of Moldova, even though, according to the evidence, the studies did not actually take place.


"The University of Medicine cannot do such a thing," the minister replied.


He explained that the educational institution operates based on a complex information system that constantly monitors each student's activity, eliminating the possibility of data falsification.


"There is an information system at the University. Every student who enrolls and graduates attends lectures every day; everything is documented and digitized. Every exam is digitized; each grade assigned cannot be changed by anyone. It is visible at every hour who has logged into or out of the system and what grade was given. If a student is absent for more than 2–3 days, the system already blocks them. It’s a fake," Emil Ceban emphasized.


The minister also said he learned about this case from the press and assured he would request a full investigation to clarify the situation.


"I found out about this today, now, from you. After the government meeting, I will take action, I will call the competent authorities, we will connect with our colleagues in Romania, we will have clarity and will provide a clear response," Ceban stated.


According to a statement from the Romanian Police, on 5 November, 14 searches were conducted at the premises of an institution and the homes of certain individuals.


"From the administered evidence, it appears that the residency studies, which required the 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's statement reads.


Chișinău authorities are to collaborate with partners in Romania to verify the authenticity of the diplomas and the circumstances under which they were issued.