Moldovan villages facing shortage of family doctors

There is an acute shortage of family doctors in the Moldovan villages. Nicolae Jelamschi, deputy head of the National Health Management Center, had told Info-Prim Neo that the situation has worsened, while the reasons are principally social in character. “The road infrastructure, the presence of kindergartens and schools and the provision with dwellings are very important, even more important that the salaries,” said Nicolae Jelamschi. The situation in southern Moldova is critical. There are by two-four doctors per 10,000 people at a time when at least six doctors are needed. The situation is difficult in the districts of Cantemir, Hancesti, Cimislia, Leova, Nisporeni, Rezina, Ungheni, Causeni, Glodeni, and Falesti. The quality of the medical services provided is poor. The family doctors overwork and are tired and patients’ dissatisfaction increases as a result. According to Nicolae Jelamschi, the situation becomes worse because the medical personnel are aging and the need of young specialists will become more acute in several years. Nicolae Jelamschi believes that one of the solutions is to respect the contracts that oblige the future doctors whose studies are financed from the state budget to work in rural areas after graduation. Anther solution is to provide concessions to family doctors in villages. The salaries should be raised 3-4 times.