FERM 2024 | Message from the Representative of the Family Doctors’ Association in the Republic of Moldova, Luminița SUVEICĂ

Health Panel

Module VIII – Family Medicine in the Republic of Moldova, 18th edition of the Moldova Regional Economic Forum, Vatra Dornei, 2024

SPEAKER – Associate Professor Luminița SUVEICĂ – Family Doctors’ Association of the Republic of Moldova

TOPIC: “Family Medicine in the Republic of Moldova: Development Stages and Challenges”

During the “Health” panel, the module “Family Medicine in the Republic of Moldova,” Associate Professor Dr. Luminița Suveică, an expert in public health, represented the Family Doctors’ Association of the Republic of Moldova, providing an analysis of the stages that family medicine has undergone in the Republic of Moldova. Her presentation focused on the topic: “Family Medicine in the Republic of Moldova: Development Stages and Challenges.”

Brief History:

Family medicine, being one of the oldest medical specialties, has deep roots in the history of humanity. As medicine evolved and diversified, post-war medical specialties began to dominate the healthcare landscape. This excessive specialization led to high costs and financial challenges for health systems, Luminița Suveică noted.

Therefore, the need for an integrative approach, characteristic of family medicine, became evident once again.

Stages and Legislative Acts for the Implementation of Family Medicine in the Republic of Moldova

The implementation of family medicine in the Republic of Moldova has been a complex process, marked by numerous stages and essential legislative acts. These acts established the legal framework and defined the strategic directions for the development of this medical specialty.

The Alma-Ata Declaration (1978) laid the foundation for a health system focused on prevention and primary care. The Astana Declaration (2018) reaffirmed these principles for the modern context.

In 1988, Moldova began training family doctors. Ministry of Health Order No. 40 (1993) officially recognized the “Generalist/Family Doctor” specialty. The Ljubljana Charter (1996) promoted family medicine in Europe.

Government Decision No. 668 (1997) set the development directions for medical care. Decision No. 1134 (1997) emphasized the importance of primary health care in Moldova. Ministry of Health Order No. 200 (1997) and Ministry of Health Order No. 163 (1998) continued primary healthcare reforms.

Ministry of Health Order No. 370/177-a (2005) regulated the prescription of compensated medicines. Ministry of Health Order No. 477 (2005) organized day care units, and Ministry of Health Order No. 489/215 (2005) established outpatient treatment for chronic diseases.

Education in Family Medicine

Luminița Suveică further addressed the topic of education and continuous training for family doctors, which is a key pillar for ensuring the quality of medical services in the Republic of Moldova. This includes several important aspects:

•          Strengthening professional capacities: Family doctors must continuously develop their professional skills to provide quality care to patients. This involves attending refresher courses, conferences, and workshops.
•          Involving residents in research activities: Engaging medical residents in research projects contributes to the advancement of knowledge and the practical application of new discoveries, thus improving the quality of medical care.
•          Acquiring relevant competencies: It is essential for family doctors to possess specific competencies to address various health issues within primary healthcare. These include skills in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
•          Equipping primary healthcare units with modern equipment: To provide quality care, primary healthcare units must be equipped with modern tools such as otoscopes, ophthalmoscopes, and ultrasound devices. These tools enable precise diagnosis and effective patient treatment.

“In the Republic of Moldova, strengthening the role of family medicine will be achieved through continuous reforms and international cooperation, improving service quality by developing the professional skills of doctors, equipping with modern equipment, and implementing effective policies. Thus, family medicine will remain a key pillar in the healthcare system,” concluded Luminița Suveică.