Moldova's health minister-designate says medicine must be brought closer to people

Prime Minister-designate Alexandru Munteanu and designated Minister of Health Emil Ceban have presented the government's priorities for healthcare system’s reform at the parliament meeting today. They emphasized the need for investments and improving access to services for all residents.

Alexandru Munteanu highlighted the professionalism of the medical staff of Moldova, stressing that the system urgently needs reforms.

“We have some of the most outstanding doctors in the world. Their services impress me with professionalism and dedication. Family medicine is the flagship of our health system. We must make reforms, so that there are no gaps and ensure continuity.”

The PM noted that his team would strengthen the role of the Health Ministry and implement concrete reforms across the country.

“We will discuss with the parliamentary commission and create specific positions to be responsible for family medicine, so that reforms are efficiently applied and beneficial to citizens.”

Designated Health Minister Emil Ceban said that health investments were insufficient and that reforms must target both infrastructure and human resources.

“Health is very costly, and we need to invest massively in the future. We must map the infrastructure and bring medicine closer to people. We cannot build high-performing hospitals in every village, but well-equipped regional centers can efficiently cover the population.”

Ceban also detailed measures to attract and retain medical staff.

“Young doctors must have adequate living conditions: housing, school, kindergarten, internet and education for children. If we don't provide these facilities, they will not stay in the area. We will collaborate with universities and all ministries, in order to ensure the distribution of doctors in regional and university hospitals and to encourage local residency.”

The designated minister added that modern diagnostic and telemedicine services would also be developed.

“We will purchase ultrasound machines and create diagnostic centers in the north and south, so that each citizen has access to quality medical services close to home,” concluded the designated minister.