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The Republic of Moldova, represented by the Medical Tourism Association, has been elected to preside over the Global Medical Tourism Council (GHTC) from 2024 to 2026. This significant role, decided at the GHTC General Assembly, highlights Moldova’s growing impact in the global medical tourism industry. Competing against Germany and Saudi Arabia, Moldova secured the majority of votes from over 50 participating countries, emphasizing its rising prominence in this sector.
Natalia Ciobanu, president of the Medical Tourism Association of Moldova, stated, “Our overarching commitment is to pursue expansion, innovation, and accessibility. We want to create a global medical tourism system that is fair and sustainable. It’s also important to promote new medical technologies and treatments, and to support medical research.”
Andrei Revenco, the executive director of the Medical Tourism Association of Moldova, emphasized, “This position is an important step in promoting medical tourism in the Republic of Moldova and increasing the country’s visibility on an international level. Our country has a huge potential in the field of medical tourism, which must also be an engine of economic development.”
Over the next two years, the association will focus on enhancing the range of medical services available in Moldova, particularly in orthopedic surgery, ophthalmology, and balneotherapy. Although Moldova has a rich tradition in balneotherapy, significant investments are needed to meet European standards.
Moldova’s medical tourism journey began in 2009, and by 2018, medical tourists made up over 35% of the total number of patients in Moldovan clinics. The most frequent visitors come from Romania, Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Bulgaria, and Israel, attracted by high-quality, cost-effective medical treatments, a favorable climate, and affordable accommodation.
Statistical Overview:
- Romanian Tourists: 19.3%
- Russian Tourists: 9.8%
- Ukrainian Tourists: 8.0%
- Polish Tourists: 5.7%
- Turkish Tourists: 2.0%
- Bulgarian Tourists: 1.4%
- Israeli Tourists: 1.2%
Moldova offers a variety of medical tourism options, including diagnostic and wellness services, adhering to international medical standards to ensure accurate diagnostics and effective treatments. Notable fields attracting international patients include:
- Stomatology: High demand for dental services due to affordability and quality. Over 70% of dental patients in Moldova are foreigners, mainly from Italy, France, America, and Russia. Services include dental rehabilitation, prostheses, caries treatment, and teeth whitening.
- Hepatitis C Treatment: Moldova’s expertise and availability of generic medications make it a prime destination for Hepatitis C treatment. By 2018, over 4,000 patients received free Hepatitis C treatment in Moldova.
- Ophthalmology: Advanced diagnostic and treatment options attract patients seeking high-quality eye care. There are more than 20 clinics in Moldova offering a wide range of ophthalmic services.
- Plastic Surgery: Cost-effective procedures with high success rates. Popular surgeries include breast surgery and facelifts, which are significantly less expensive in Moldova compared to Europe.
- Family Planning: Renowned for fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF). Moldovan doctors have contributed to the birth of over 2,000 children, with a national success rate exceeding 40%.
Moldova’s medical tourism infrastructure includes over 300 clinics and private medical centers in Chisinau alone, offering a wide range of services from dental care to complex surgeries. Medical tourists receive the same level of care as local patients, often at significantly lower costs than in Western countries.
Dental tourism is particularly popular, with modern facilities and highly qualified specialists offering treatments at a fraction of the cost compared to Europe or the USA. Patients can also enjoy a tourist package that includes transport, translator services, and accommodation, allowing them to explore the beautiful city of Chișinău while receiving top-notch dental care.
Moldova’s election to the presidency of the GHTC marks a significant milestone in its medical tourism journey, underscoring its commitment to becoming a premier destination for medical tourists. The Medical Tourism Association’s focus on innovation, expansion, and adherence to international standards will undoubtedly enhance Moldova’s global reputation.
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