Medical tourism in the Republic of Moldova

The dental services in Moldova are highly demanded by the foreign patients. This is explained by the fact that even the most simple stomatological procedures are very expensive abroad. In Moldova, the prices policy for the dental services are less robust, and on the other hand, the quality corresponds to the European. According to the dentists of Moldova,[9] over 70% of the patients are the foreigners. Every month, more than 50% of the clients are from Italy, France, America and Russia. The patients are receiving the full service package: dental rehabilitation, prosthesis, caries treatment, removal and teeth whitening.

The medical tourists can benefit from the remote, online medical consultations and by the medical excursions in Moldova, which include tickets procurement, hotel reservation and excursions of the touristic sites. The foreign patients are told about the preliminary treatment, cost and duration of the therapy.

In the Republic of Moldova the Hepatitis C virus treatment, this is one of the key direction of the medical tourism. Starting since 1997 by 2012, the number of the infected persons with Hepatitis C virus in the country reached critical levels – more than 40.000 persons. These are the high rates, considering the fact that the total number of population is 4.057.420.[10] Once the National Program on Hepatitis Treatment was launched, the statistics on morbidity and mortality rates diminished from 6,14% to 1,32% as per 100 000 of population.[11]

In 2018, in Moldova over 4000 of patients have received the free of charge Hepatitis C treatment.[12] Moldovan’s hepatologists, which provide treatment to the thousands of local citizens annually,[13] also provide the treatment to the foreign patients. In the Republic of Moldova, the generic medications are authorized officially for selling, which can’t be purchased in the other countries. Moldova belongs to the low level index development countries and with the large spreading of the hepatitis among the population, thus, the medications are more affordable.[14][15]

In Moldova, the hepatitis C diagnostic is carried out according to the international standards, by using up-to-date equipment and technologies. The following methods are used to identify the hepatitis C: PCR diagnosis, general and biochemical blood tests, fibroscanation, ultrasound, liver biopsy. The results are given to the patient directly, and the physician curator is engaged in deciphering the tests and doing a detailed treatment course.

In Moldova, foreign patients are screened in private clinics and then undergo treatment including generic treatment including active substances - sofosbuvir, daclatasvir, ledipasvir, velpatasvir.[16] The results of using antiviral therapy reach 97% of fully healed patients, and the medications produce minimal side effects.[17]

Ophthalmology and eye disease treatment are widely used throughout the world. In private clinics in Chişinău, patients are offered the highest diagnostic accuracy of visual acuity, intraocular pressure, biometric and eye tonometry. Medical tourists are attracted by presence of modern ophthalmic equipment, with help of which Moldovan doctors are making the right diagnosis and the treatment is done by new, minimally invasive methods.

Laser vision correction procedures are requiring to be handled by a highly qualified specialist using who are able to use the modern equipment. There are more than 20 clinics in Moldova where experienced doctors work, providing a wide range of ophthalmic services to citizens and non-residents.[18]

Plastic surgery in Moldova is of high demand among the patients from abroad. This direction involves the use of the latest technologies and equipment, and Moldovan surgeons are proven and highly skilled and experienced specialists.[19] In the Republic, esthetic surgery services are provided only in a few private clinics, but this area is progressively developed.[20] The most popular surgeries are the breast surgery and face lift, which are seven times more expensive in Europe than in Moldovan clinics.[21]

Family planning is a complex and long-lasting process that must take place under the supervision of an experienced specialist. Private centers in Moldova have a good reputation in this field.[20] In addition to a wide range of gynecological and pediatric services, TerraMed, Repromed, Medpark - are using modern ways to overcome infertility, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Moldovan doctors contributed to the birth of over 2,000 children.[22][23]

The official agency assisting foreign patients in the treatment of hepatitis C is the MedTour Moldova.[26] The company organizes medical excursions in Moldova, and is in charge of booking the tickets and hotels, as well as of the selection of a qualified hepatologist for each patient.

MedTour Moldova not only organizes the treatment of hepatitis C but also offers a complete examination in the private clinics of the country. The doctors who develops a treatment course based on test results consult the patients.

In addition to diagnosis and treatment, tourists are offered accommodation during their stay in the country as well as, if necessary, translation services. MedTour Moldova is the only official organization in Europe that offers treatment for hepatitis C for non-residents.

The Medpark Clinic has a special medical tourism department that provides medical tourists with high quality, world-renowned services. Annually, the tourists from Russia, Israel, Ukraine, USA, Turkey, Italy, and France become the patients of the clinic.[27] The majority of the clinic staff speak English, so there is no linguistic barrier between the doctor and the patient.