Improved access to reproductive healthcare: 22 modernized gynecological offices for women in the Republic of Moldova

The equipped facilities were selected primarily in vulnerable communities and areas with limited access to specialized medical services, including locations near the border with Ukraine, close to the Transnistrian region, as well as centers serving a large number of refugees.

The initiative, implemented by the Ministry of Health in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Moldova, with financial support from the Government of the Hellenic Republic, was officially launched at the Family Doctors’ Center in Mihailovca, Cimișlia rayon.

Present at the inauguration event, the Minister of Health, Emil Ceban, stated: “For the Ministry of Health, family medicine is a priority. It is the calling card of the healthcare system and the first point of contact with the population. Through family medicine, we have direct contact with people, especially in rural areas, and we must do everything possible to reduce the gap between rural and urban areas. That is why we are working to develop this sector and bring services closer to people.”

The modernized offices are equipped with standardized, state-of-the-art medical equipment, including electric gynecological chairs adapted for women with mobility disabilities, equipment for maternal and newborn care, as well as essential diagnostic tools such as electronic scales and fully automated hemoglobin analyzers.

UNFPA Representative in Moldova, Karina Nersesyan, noted: “For UNFPA, it is essential to leave no one behind. That is why we focus on the first line of contact to reach every person, including those in remote areas. At the same time, we have a long-term vision and support the Republic of Moldova in strengthening healthcare services for both the present and the future, so that it can become a regional center of excellence. All this is made possible thanks to the support of our partners, including the Government of Greece.”

The Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to the Republic of Moldova, Nikolaos Krikos, emphasized: “Guided by a shared vision, we continue to invest in strengthening healthcare services for women in the Republic of Moldova. With the support of the Hellenic Republic, simulation trainings for obstetric and gynecological emergency care have been delivered, and we have contributed to the renovation of four primary healthcare centers. These efforts are improving access, enhancing the quality of services, and strengthening the resilience of the healthcare system. We will continue to support these initiatives to ensure that every woman has access to quality healthcare services.”

The Director General of the National Health Insurance Company (CNAM), Ion Dodon, stated: “The modernization of these gynecological offices represents an important step in ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services for all women, regardless of where they live. CNAM supports such investments, as they directly contribute to prevention, early diagnosis, and long-term cost reduction within the healthcare system. By strengthening primary healthcare, services become more accessible, more efficient, and better aligned with the real needs of the population."

The 22 equipped offices are part of a broader effort carried out over the past two years, through which UNFPA in Moldova and its partners have contributed to the modernization of 222 gynecological offices in 82 primary healthcare institutions nationwide, representing 30% of the system. This initiative has significantly improved the conditions under which women in rural areas access essential healthcare services, including reproductive health protection, family planning, cervical cancer prevention, and maternal and child care. The total value of the investments exceeds 2 million lei.