Dr. Dmytro BILOUS, Director of the Chernivtsi Children’s Hospital, at FERM 2025: “The transformation of the medical system must continue, even in times of war”
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:
Dr. Dmytro Bilous, Executive Director of the Chernivtsi City Children’s Clinical Hospital / Dr. Aurel Roșca – pediatric neurosurgeon at the City Children’s Hospital in Chernivtsi
Presentation topic:
“Successful Models in Hospital Modernization – Today and Tomorrow”
The Regional Economic Forum Moldova 2025 reaffirmed its role as a strategic platform for regional cooperation, bringing together political leaders, investors, experts, representatives of local and central administrations, as well as delegations from Romania, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, the European Union, the Western Balkans, and the Middle East.
During the Panel 6 – Healthcare and Medical Services, major challenges facing healthcare systems in the Moldova region were discussed, along with successful models that can inspire future development directions.
One of the most emotional and relevant interventions was that of the Executive Director of the City Children’s Clinical Hospital in Chernivtsi, Dr. Dmytro Bilous, joined by neurosurgeon Dr. Aurel Roșca. Their presentation, entitled “Our Progress and Drive for Transformation”, highlighted how a pediatric hospital in a war-affected area can become an example of modernization and humanity.
“Our hospital is a place where we treat children, but also where we try to provide them with an environment in which they feel safe. If parents feel safe, so will the child,” emphasized Dr. Bilous.
Comfort, design, psychological support and digitalization
The modernization of the facility started from a simple principle: children need a welcoming, friendly environment adapted to their emotional needs. Thus, family rooms were created, recreational spaces with warm design and pleasant colors, and facilities that allow parents to stay close to hospitalized children. “A welcoming atmosphere reduces stress and contributes to the healing process,” hospital representatives pointed out.
In parallel, the focus was placed on psychological support, with both individual and group interventions, especially given that air raid alerts often require evacuating children to the basements.
“It is essential to provide ongoing psychological counseling to maintain the emotional balance of children in such conditions.”
Digitalization of hospital management was another key pillar, with an emphasis on efficiency, transparency, and data-driven decision making. Minimally invasive treatment protocols and environmental standards were also implemented, ensuring safe medical waste management and energy efficiency.
Completed projects and future plans
Over the past three and a half years, major investments were made at the Children’s Hospital in Chernivtsi:
-
opening of an Emergency Reception Unit (ER), with two operating rooms equipped to European standards;
-
installation of a CT scanner supported by the World Bank and the Ukrainian Ministry of Health;
-
opening of four operating rooms, rehabilitation rooms, and modern lighting and climate systems;
-
complete reconstruction of the electrical network and installation of a backup generator;
-
modernization of the laboratory and installation of a water purification system.
“We treated over 30,000 patients in 2024 and in the first half of 2025. No matter the circumstances, we don’t stop. We’re already working with Romanian partners, like the Suceava County Hospital, with whom we built this ER,” said Dr. Bilous.
Future plans include:
-
establishing the first neuroendoscopy school in the region;
-
acquisition of a neuroendoscope and a craniotome;
-
reconstruction of diagnostics, kitchen and laundry departments;
-
setting up spaces for psychological support, health education and recreation;
-
improving energy efficiency (windows, heating systems).
Regional perspectives and cross-border cooperation
Present at the panel, Gheorghe Brînză, director of the Clinical Hospital in Bălți, emphasized the need to outsource services that are no longer sustainable on a small scale, such as laundries or laboratories:
“It is much more efficient to centralize them across several hospitals. The unit cost drops significantly. The same applies to laboratories that are not accredited or compliant with European standards.”
He was joined by Roman Boca, founder of Dorna Medical, who highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships and outsourcing of lab and imaging services:
“In Romania, over 50% of medical services are provided by the private sector. It’s a benefit to the whole system. But with international accreditations and standards, it becomes even harder to run your own labs with just a few patients.”
In response, Dr. Bilous mentioned that there is still no centralized laundry in Chernivtsi, so each hospital manages these needs independently.
Romania – a strategic partner in health system reconstruction
Ion Ștefanovici, president of the Center for Regional Development Planning and Analysis (CAPDR), stressed the importance of Romania’s involvement in the reconstruction process of the Chernivtsi region after the conflict:
“After the end of the armed conflict, reconstruction will be a priority. And healthcare will be a strategic pillar. I’m sure Romania will be an important partner for Chernivtsi.”
President Ion Ștefanovici also acknowledged the difficulties in funding cross-border cooperation projects:
“A lot of work, with little funding. But we have a great collaboration with BRCT Suceava and we trust that things will move forward. And yes, Romania will be there.”
Conclusion
Dr. Dmytro Bilous’ intervention at the Moldova Regional Economic Forum 2025 was a powerful testimony to the adaptability and transformation capacity of the healthcare system under extremely difficult conditions. The City Children’s Clinical Hospital in Chernivtsi is a living example of how investments in infrastructure, digitalization, human-centered design, and psychological support can bring care up to European standards – even in the midst of an armed conflict. This reality shows us that modernization is not just an ideal, but an urgent necessity, even in crisis contexts.
Furthermore, his speech emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation and strategic partnerships – especially with Romania and European institutions – to support both the reconstruction and sustainable development of the healthcare sector in the region. Chernivtsi’s example illustrates how vital the joint involvement of local administrations, the private sector, and international institutions is in building a resilient, patient-centered system that provides not only treatment, but also emotional comfort and safety for families.
