Managing the Impact of Migration on the Healthcare System of Moldova

Migration and the loss of skilled health workers present a challenge to the management of the Moldovan healthcare system. To overcome this challenge, there is need for capacity building within the healthcare system to increase the efficiency of human resources management. In this context, the Ministry of Health (MoH) requested IOM’s support in data collection and utilization through the development of a database of health workers.

In addition to the migration of medical staff there is also a need to address the risk that irregular migration and illegal status in countries of destination, in general, present to the health of Moldovans. Therefore this project proposes a survey into the health implications for migrants leaving and returning to the country, as well as into the financial (medical insurance) aspect of migrants accessing health services. In addition the project envisages launching a campaign highlighting the health risks associated with irregular migration in order to reduce risks related to illegal migration of vulnerable groups and to improve the health profile of migrants in general. These activities will reinforce the MoH 2009-2011 Institutional development plan and the Healthcare System Development Strategy for the period 2008-2017 by improving the public healthcare services, as well as by reducing the negative impact that large-scale migration is having on the health of Moldovans.