Tiraspol hospital may obtain authorization to import radioactive substances

The Tiraspol hospital could obtain an authorization allowing importing radioactive substances needed to treat patients suffering from oncological diseases. The issue was discussed in the meeting of the joint working group centering on health protection that was held in Tiraspol. Coordinator of the group on behalf of Chisinau Gheorghe Turcanu, Deputy Minister of Health, has told Info-Prim Neo that the Transnistrian patients with such diseases are now treated in Chisinau. The hospital in Tiraspol has radiological equipment, not yet the necessary radiological substances. In the meeting it was agreed that the medical institution should submit the documents needed to obtain authorization to the National Agency for Regulation of Nuclear and Radiological Activities. Contacted by Info-Prim Neo, the Agency’s director Artur Buzdugan, who took part in the meeting, said that the procedure for authorizing nuclear activities is rather long and difficult. “The applicant must be registered with the State Registration Chamber of Moldova and present an extensive file describing the goal of the activities. It must have skilled personnel. Our specialists will perform inspections on the spot. If all the conditions are fulfilled, the authorization will be issued,” stated Artur Buzdugan. According to him, the inspections can last for a week or even half a year, depending on how the technical requirements are met. “In the context of the decentralization of radiotherapy in Moldova, approved by the Ministry of Health, it was reached the conclusion that the radiotherapy procedure may be authorized in Tiraspol as well because it is part of Moldova, on condition that the Moldovan legislation is observed,” said Artur Buzdugan. Radioactive substances can be imported from Ukraine, Russia, Hungary, Germany, and Canada.