17% of the total number of children in Moldova suffer from scoliosis, while the number of those with such a disease increases annually by 12%. Most of them need a structure to be implanted in their backbone so as to prevent the worsening of the condition and paralysis. The public association “Moldova Mea” set up a fund for collecting money for buying implants, Info-Prim Neo reports. In a news conference, Nicolae Savga, spine surgeon at the Mother and Child Center, said that scoliosis is a congenital malformation. Such external factors as the heavy schoolbag and the inappropriate furniture at school can lead to the deformation of the spinal column. This affects the lungs and the heart as well as the respiration. The persons suffering from scoliosis need surgery before they turn 18. The cost of such an operation in Moldova reduces to the cost of the implant, whose price varies between US$2,000 and US$4,000. Doctor Nicolae Savga said that if the authorities allocated money for such surgeries, by two children could be operated every week. Currently, almost 100 children need operations urgently. Victoria Ciubotaru, 15, found out that she has scoliosis in 2011. The disease developed quickly. She is one of the children who need an operation as soon as possible, but her parents do not have money. The girl said that she has unbearable pain and sometimes cannot even sleep. Fiodor Ghelici, chairman of the Association “Moldova Mea”, called on the politicians and billionaires of Moldova to donate money to save the children who risk becoming invalids when they come of age. Fiodor Ghelici also called on the acting ministers, who are to receive allowances of over 50,000 lei, to donate at least a monthly salary for purchasing implants for persons suffering from scoliosis. He said that he asked the Prosecutor’s Office to investigate why surgeries are not performed at the Traumas and Orthopedics Clinical Hospital, even if implants of half a million lei were bought. Fiodor Ghelici assured that the money donated for children with scoliosis will be monitored and every donor will be able to follow personally where the money goes. Four accounts for colleting funds for children with scoliosis were opened at Mobiasbanca – Groupe Societe Generale SA. Lei can be deposited into the account 2224710SV60386237100, dollars – 2224710SV60386407100, euros – 2224710SV60386587100, while Russian rubbles – 2224710SV60386747100.