The professional qualifications obtained by doctors and pharmacists in the European Union member states will be recognized in the Republic of Moldova. The Parliament approved in the first reading a bill that establishes the mechanism for recognizing these qualifications, reports IPN.

The document, prepared by the Ministry of Health, provides for the harmonization of national legislation with European standards in the field of medical professions and labor mobility, in accordance with the commitments undertaken through the Association Agreement with the EU.

The project establishes the procedures for recognizing qualifications obtained in the member states of the European Union, in the European Economic Area and in the Swiss Confederation. For harmonized professions – doctor, dentist, pharmacist, general nurse and midwife – automatic recognition is provided, and for other cases compensatory measures can be applied, including aptitude tests.

The initiative also includes the introduction of the national professional card, which will confirm the right to practice the profession and will replace existing authorization documents. The document will be valid for five years and will be included in the Register of Certified Medical Staff. At the same time, the European professional card will be regulated, aimed at facilitating the mobility of professionals in the EU.

The authority responsible for the recognition of qualifications will be the National Council for Health Evaluation and Accreditation.

The project is set to be reviewed in the second reading. If adopted, the provisions will come into effect on January 1, 2027, with the exception of some rules that will become applicable after the Republic of Moldova’s accession to the European Union.