The Health System of the Republic of Moldova: Real Needs for Strengthening and Optimisation

Child mortality under five and life expectancy at birth remain major concerns. On the Healthcare Access and Quality Index, Moldova's gap with Western Europe widened from 13.6 points in 1995 to 13.7 in 2015. An ageing population, rising morbidity and more state-insured people threaten financial sustainability. Without reform of the financing mechanism, a revenue deficit of about 9% is expected by 2030 and 26% by 2050.

The authors recommend calculating state transfers for non-employed people on a per-person cost basis, indexed to forecast CPI, and reforming the hospital network through regionalisation. Transparency of the system stands at 36%, against Denmark (74%), Finland (73%), Sweden (71%) and the United Kingdom (69%). Publishing data already produced internally could raise it. The system also faces an unprecedented shortage of staff, especially in primary care, driven by working conditions and pay.