Moldovan Health Minister: “It’s a fake”, commenting on Romanian investigations into diploma recognition
The Minister of Health and former rector of the State University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Chisinau, Emil Ceban, responded to reports about searches conducted by Romanian authorities concerning the recognition of medical diplomas for doctors who allegedly completed their residency in the Republic of Moldova. The Minister firmly denies the accusations that some doctors obtained their diplomas without physically attending their studies.
“This is false. The University of Medicine cannot engage in such practices. All diplomas are now processed through an information system that has special controls in place. Therefore, this issue will be investigated by the appropriate authorities, and we will receive results,” the minister stated.
When asked about circulating information in Romania suggesting that doctors did not physically attend their courses, Emil Ceban reiterated that the USMF system prevents such occurrences.
“That is simply not true. The University of Medicine has an information system in place. Every student who enrolls and graduates attends lectures every day. Everything is documented and digitized, including exams and grades, which cannot be altered by anyone. The system tracks attendance meticulously; it records who enters and exits, as well as the grades awarded. If a student is absent for more than 2-3 days, the system automatically locks them out. So, this claim is baseless.”
The official stated that he learned about the actions of the Romanian authorities from the press and intends to seek further information.
“I became aware of this issue today, just now, from you. After the Government meeting, I will gather more information, reach out to the relevant authorities, and contact our colleagues in Romania to gain clarity. We will provide you with a definitive answer to this question.”
09:16 Searches in Bucharest over doctors with allegedly fake specializations obtained in Moldova
On Wednesday, November 5, Romanian prosecutors and police officers conducted searches related to a case involving doctors who allegedly obtained fictitious specializations from the "Nicolae Testemitanu" State University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Chisinau. Several doctors are under suspicion for having requested the Romanian Ministry of Health to recognize their specialist medical diplomas, even though they did not actually complete the residency program in the Republic of Moldova.
According to the police, 14 searches were conducted at the headquarters of a public institution and at the homes of individuals in Bucharest and several surrounding counties. Investigators are looking into crimes including fraud, forgery of official documents, computer forgery, use of forged documents, and the unlawful exercise of a profession or activity.
The investigation is focused on doctors who sought recognition of their specialization studies in the Republic of Moldova by submitting diplomas from the Chisinau State University of Medicine. The specialties in question include emergency medicine, orthodontics, plastic surgery, aesthetic and reconstructive microsurgery, imaging, dento-alveolar surgery, and periodontology.
Romanian authorities have indications that the residency programs were not actually completed, despite requiring mandatory physical presence at university clinics in the Republic of Moldova. During this time, the doctors allegedly worked full-time in Romania, being employed within the Romanian medical system.
A total of 12 individuals are under investigation, and warrants were issued for their arrest and to ensure their appearance at hearings.
