Moldova healthcare union: Ciorbā & Codru merger sparks concerns
In a move aimed to bolster national preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks, the Moldovan Cabinet of Ministers has approved the merger of the Clinical Hospital for Infectious Diseases "Toma Ciorbă" with the Dermatology and Communicable Diseases Hospital in Codru.
The decision, while sparking initial protest from hospital staff, is accompanied by assurances of job security and modernization plans.
Health Minister Ala Nemerenco emphasised the strategic rationale behind the decision, highlighting the "imperative need for investment and restructuring" in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. "The recent experience underscored the criticality of a robust, nationwide infectious disease infrastructure," she stated, citing limitations faced during the pandemic, including the lack of dedicated intensive care and paediatric units.
The merger decision elicited concerns from employees of both hospitals, who staged protests and submitted petitions advocating against the move. Notably, anxieties centred around potential job losses and alleged mismanagement of hospital assets, specifically the historical Toma Ciorbă building. To address these concerns, Nemerenco firmly asserted, "All existing staff will be seamlessly integrated into the new structure, with no redundancies."
Addressing the fate of the Toma Ciorbă building, a matter of cultural significance, Culture Minister Sergiu Prodan categorically dismissed rumours of its demolition, attributing them to "misinformation and unfounded political pressure." He emphasised, "The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the National Council of Historical Monuments, will diligently safeguard the architectural heritage of the Republic of Moldova."
Looking ahead, Nemerenco announced plans for a press tour of the merged facilities within seven months, aiming to showcase the progress achieved and demonstrate the tangible benefits of the restructuring. This initiative seeks to foster greater transparency and public confidence in the ongoing reform process.
The consolidation of infectious disease care facilities presents both challenges and opportunities for Moldova's healthcare system. Navigating employee anxieties, ensuring job security, and safeguarding cultural heritage while implementing critical modernization efforts will be key to the success of this initiative. Ultimately, the goal is to establish a more robust and effective infectious disease response system, enhancing national preparedness for future public health threats.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
