The tariffs of services provided by veterinarians haven’t been adjusted since 2007. President of the National Association of Veterinarians of Moldova Nicolae Starchuk has told IPN that since then the prices of medicines needed by a vet increased essentially and the non-adjustment of tariffs made many gave up working in the field.
The situation is more complicated in the case of official veterinarians employed at district divisions. The salary of a beginner vet is 2,200 lei and it’s time to raise it at least twice, stated Nicolae Starchuk.
He also referred to the shortage of staff, saying there are freelance veterinarians who serve 7-12 communities. About 40 vets annually graduate from the faculty, but only several of them become employed. Owing to the low salaries, the young specialists do not see prospects in the field. The average age of veterinarians is 50-55 years.
“There are issues that should be discussed and negotiated and internal regulations concerning particular activities should be worked out. It is a matter that can be solved by simply discussing it with representatives from districts, from the Agency and associations, at several levels, so as to decide something and improve at least slightly the working conditions and financial situation of veterinarians,” said the Association’s president.
The law on the profession of veterinarian that was given a first reading envisions the creation of the Board of Veterinarians whose task will be to certify the doctors. The veterinarians will have to annually gather by 120 points to be authorized to practice next year. To score points, they will have to take part in symposiums and scientific conferences and to have scientific publications.
The president of the National Association of Veterinarians of Moldova considers conditions should be created for the vets to gather the required points before applying the law. “Who will work if only 70% of the veterinarians are certified? There are many aspects that should be discussed,” commented Nicolae Starchuk.
In Moldova there are about 350 freelance veterinarians and 1,200 official veterinarians.
