Moldova's healthcare system gains 88 young specialists
The Republic of Moldova’s medical system will welcome 88 new young specialists. The Ministry of Health has assigned graduates from the bachelor's degree program at the State University of Medicine and Pharmacy (USMF) "Nicolae Testemițanu," class of 2026. These graduates will soon begin their work in medical institutions across the country.
The graduates have been assigned to various specialties: General Medical Assistance, Radiological Technology, Public Health, Optometry, and Physiokinetotherapy and Rehabilitation.
Among the 88 young professionals assigned, 29 received funding from the state budget, while 59 were on contract.
"Strengthening human resources is one of the priorities of the Ministry of Health. We want young specialists to begin their professional careers at medical institutions in the Republic of Moldova and, through their knowledge and dedication, contribute to the development of a modern health system. The Ministry will continue to create conditions for their integration and retention in the public health system," stated Minister of Health Emil Ceban during the event on July 3.
To address the shortage of medical professionals in rural areas of the Republic of Moldova, authorities made legislative changes in 2024 requiring young doctors and pharmacists who have benefited from state-funded studies to work for 5 years in the localities where they are assigned.
Additionally, the state has significantly increased financial support for early-career doctors, raising the single allowance from 120,000 to 250,000 lei. Specialists in rural districts also receive compensation for rent, electricity, and heating bills.
Emil Ceban previously mentioned that the ministry might consider abolishing mandatory assignments to rural areas, advocating for a voluntary hiring decision. "You can’t just send a young specialist away, especially if they have an apartment and children in kindergarten," said Ceban.
According to an audit report by the Court of Accounts, 38 young specialists resigned from 18 district hospitals within the last five years before completing the mandatory five-year period. This has cost the state budget approximately 4.5 million lei.
At the beginning of the year, the shortage of family doctors in medical facilities across the country surpassed 250 positions. In emergency medicine, there were more than 85 vacancies, while general surgery had 53 open positions. There was also a significant shortage in anesthesia and intensive care, with over 100 vacancies, and in radiology and medical imaging, where nearly 80 specialists were needed.
