The salaries of health professionals who are paid from the Mandatory Health Insurance Fund were rescued by 15% on January 1. The increases vary between 700 and 3,000 lei, depending on the specialty, seniority and level of studies. For example, a family doctor with a seniority of 10 to 20 years will receive by 2,370 lei more or a monthly salary of 18,170 lei, IPN reports.

In order to ensure a competitive salary, the Cabinet on Wednesday amended the regulations on the remuneration of employees of public medical and sanitary institutions included in the mandatory health insurance system.

Minister of Health Ala Nemerenco said that ambulance doctors with over 10 years of experience will monthly get by 1,930 lei more than previously, and medical specialists with over 20 years of work in such areas as surgery, anesthesia or intensive care will receive by 2,520 lei more or a salary of 19,300 lei.

The salaries of auxiliary staff in hospitals will also be raised. Medical assistants with more than 10 years of experience will earn 10,750 lei a month, up 1,400 lei compared to the previous year.

The supplement for night work will be increased by 15%. Thus, ambulance doctors will benefit from 140 lei more for each night shift worked, which is an increase of 1,060 lei for one shift. Anesthesiologists and reanimatologists in hospitals will receive a supplement of 1,320 lei for the night shift, up 170 lei compared to last year.

Also, the salaries of surgeons, endoscopists, anesthesiologists and intensive care physicians who work in district-level institutions and the pays of those who work in national and municipal institutions will be equalized. Thus, according to the Minister of Health, inequity will be eliminated.

About 44,600 healthcare workers will benefit from pay raises. The implementation of the amendments requires additional funds estimated at 1.3 billion lei this year. The money was earmarked through the Law on the Mandatory Health Insurance Fund.