Shortage of medical personnel in Moldova: 250 vacancies in family medicine alone

The healthcare system of Moldova is facing a significant shortage of medical personnel, with the most severe situation occurring in family medicine. According to official data, at present, approximately 250 family doctor positions are vacant nationwide.

According to the Health Ministry, the lack of specialists is also felt in other essential fields. In emergency medicine, 85 positions are unfilled, and in general surgery – 53. At the same time, the shortage stays significant in anesthesia and intensive care, where 107 positions are vacant, as well as in radiology and medical imaging, with 77 open positions.

To partially cover the need for medical staff, authorities are counting on the integration of the 2025 graduates. Thus, following allocations, 340 young specialists who have completed residency programmes are set to be integrated into the healthcare system. Priority will be given to primary care and pre-hospital emergency medicine, sectors considered vital for the population's access to medical services.

To further attract young specialists to rural areas, the ministry is implementing a package of financial and contractual incentives. Young doctors receive a one-time indemnity of 120,000 lei after six months of activity, compensation for rent, utilities and transportation, being employed full-time for a minimum period of three years. Starting with the 2027 class, the indemnity will be increased to 250,000 lei, provided in two installments, with the obligation to work for at least five years.

According to the National Statistics Bureau, there are 12,600 doctors of all specialties and 23,687 individuals with mid-level medical training registered in the country's healthcare system.