Medical Staff Shortage and Cross-Border Cooperation – Key Topics Discussed in the Health Panel at FERM 2025
100 economic opportunities for the development of the Moldova Region on the A7 Highway route
REGIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM MOLDOVA 2025
19th Edition – Vatra Dornei, July 9–13, 2025
Thematic Panel:
Healthcare and Medical Services in the Moldova Region
Speakers:
Ion Ștefanovici – President of CAPDR;
Diana Grosu – President of the Association for Human Rights Lex XXI, Bălți, Republic of Moldova;
Roman Boca – Founder of Dorna Medical Clinics and Laboratories;
Debate Theme:
“Human resources, infrastructure, and cross-border cooperation – priority directions for a resilient healthcare system”
The acute lack of human resources, the need for cross-border collaboration, and the efficiency of public–private partnerships were central topics of the debate.
The meeting brought together key healthcare stakeholders – representatives of public administration, civil society, and the private sector – to openly discuss the current vulnerabilities and development opportunities of the medical sector in the Moldova Region, on both sides of the Prut River.
Diana Grosu (Lex XXI Association, Bălți): “There is a significant gap between Chișinău and the rest of Moldova in healthcare”
As president of the Lex XXI Association from Bălți, Republic of Moldova, Diana Grosu highlighted deep systemic inequalities in the public health sector.
“Unfortunately, the differences between Chișinău and the rest of the country are considerable, especially regarding access to and quality of medical services. Human resources remain an acute problem across all regions.”
Diana Grosu emphasized the importance of concrete measures to attract and retain young specialists in the healthcare system, as well as the need for an efficient process of professional integration and mentoring.
“Young professionals need collaboration and knowledge exchange with senior medical staff, but often, the latter are reluctant to share their accumulated expertise. Public administrations have mechanisms that can facilitate knowledge transfer and continuous training.”
Another important dimension highlighted by the president of Lex XXI was the active involvement of patients.
“In Bălți municipality, there are remarkable initiatives with patient groups that provide constant feedback, request improvements, and collaborate with authorities through training sessions.”
Finally, Diana Grosu appreciated the forum’s role as a communication and cooperation platform.
“This event offered us the opportunity to identify partners and build collaborative relationships essential for accessing Interreg cross-border programs. Although it’s difficult to find time and openness, here we managed to build strong bridges for dialogue and action.”
Ion Ștefanovici (President of CAPDR): “Discrepancies stem from isolation and lack of strategic vision”
Responding to Diana Grosu’s concerns, Ion Ștefanovici provided a Romanian perspective, emphasizing the direct link between administrative isolation and stagnation in healthcare progress.
“The mentioned discrepancies are due to past policies that promoted an isolationist approach. As long as this mentality persists, citizens will continue to suffer from the negative consequences of isolation.”
Ion Ștefanovici highlighted the importance of sharing best practices and fostering genuine collaboration.
“This forum is a strong support point where you can find real partners willing to contribute. Progress is built on constructive dissatisfaction and a constant desire to improve.”
He also stressed the strategic role of Romania in supporting the Republic of Moldova.
“The Romanian Government, along with the European Union, prioritizes support for the Republic of Moldova. Although some political aspects are managed in Bucharest, the presence of ambassadors and their messages show a continuous and open dialogue.”
Roman Boca (founder of Dorna Medical): “Public–private partnerships are the engine for developing medical services”
Healthcare entrepreneur Roman Boca, founder of the Dorna Medical network, emphasized the crucial importance of private investment in modernizing and expanding medical infrastructure.
“In the next year and a half, there will be no locality in Romania without significant investment in healthcare. For example, Vatra Dornei already has two CT scanners and one MRI for 10,000 residents – a completely different level of investment.”
He warned of the risks of focusing exclusively on the public sector or trade unions, which may hinder development potential.
“Public–private partnerships drive innovation and dynamism. We must not focus solely on unions, which do not represent doctors in Romania. They are regulated and protected by the College of Physicians.”
Regarding human resources from Moldova, Roman Boca pointed out both opportunities and existing barriers.
“Many Moldovan doctors choose to practice in Romania, but their studies are not recognized under EU standards. If degree equivalency were in place, I’d bring them here by bus.”
In conclusion, he advocated for a pragmatic and efficient approach.
“The state tends to move slowly, and there is always a risk of corruption. In contrast, public–private partnerships offer a framework with fewer risks and tangible results. We don’t need just promises – we need concrete implementation of projects.”
Conclusions: from crisis to strategic cooperation in healthcare
The debate highlighted the major challenges caused by the acute shortage of medical personnel, a common issue in both Romania and the Republic of Moldova. This crisis is exacerbated by the lack of effective coordination and a shared strategy between the two countries, which increases regional inequalities and limits equitable access to quality healthcare services.
Despite these challenges, open dialogue and cross-border collaboration were identified as key elements for overcoming them. The active involvement of stakeholders from the public sector, civil society, and the private environment contributes to building sustainable partnerships that can generate innovative solutions and optimize existing resources.
To transform the current crisis into an opportunity for sustainable development, an integrated approach is needed, including adapted public policies, effective public–private partnerships, and support mechanisms for healthcare human resources.
