On June 17, the IOM Moldova, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, the Ministry of Health, the National Health Insurance Company, and the General Inspectorate for Migration, launched the awareness-raising campaign dedicated to improving access to health services for refugees from Ukraine.
During the launching event, panel discussions focused on access to the health system, including topics such as health insurance, the importance of vaccination, and services offered to pregnant women, along with how to register with a family doctor, were held.
“The initiative aims to support healthcare workers who interact daily with refugees, ensuring that no patient is left without the medical care they need. The action we are launching today is a concrete expression of our commitment to upholding human rights.”, mentioned Angela Paraschiv, State Secretary within the Ministry of Health.
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“Together with the UN agencies such as IOM, UNICEF, UNFPA, and WHO, Switzerland remains committed to supporting essential services and ensuring continuity of care for Ukrainian refugees under Temporary Protection,” stated Viorica Cretu, Deputy Director of the Swiss Cooperation Office.
“Since 2014, the Republic of Moldova has initiated a process to improve the legal framework governing foreign citizens’ access to medical services. This campaign is, therefore, a natural continuation of our efforts to build a healthcare system that is more accessible, more equitable, and better prepared for future challenges.”, said Tatiana Ciumas, Deputy Head of the General Inspectorate for Migration.
“Thanks to our efforts and the constant support of international partners, the amount of funds allocated for medical assistance to displaced persons from Ukraine has been increased year by year. This has allowed not only to maintain access to essential services, but also to broaden the range of medical services offered.”, stated Ion Dodon, General Director of the National Health Insurance Company (CNAM).
“A key part of this initiative is the work of IOM’s health mediators. Over the past year, they have supported over 8,000 refugees through information sessions, conducted nearly 500 community sessions, and helped more than 1,100 people register with family doctors. These numbers reflect touched lives, barriers lowered, and dignity restored.”, noted Ester Ruiz de Azua, Chief of the International Organization for Migration in the Republic of Moldova.
“WHO, together with its partners, has actively supported efforts to ensure that every refugee can access essential basic services. Through this information campaign, we aim to bring clear and helpful information closer to the people about how they can access the health services available in the Republic of Moldova.”, said Iuliana Garam, WHO Programme Coordinator in the Republic of Moldova.
This campaign is part of the project “Improving access to health services for refugees and displaced persons from Ukraine who are benefiting from temporary protection,” made possible thanks to the generous financial support of the European Union and the Government of Switzerland.