Medical institutions across Moldova have to deal with worn-out equipment, much of it older than 40 years, and this affects the quality of the medical care provided, said Ombudsman Mihail Cotorobai during the presentation of a report on patients’ rights and medical equipment safety.
In as survey conducted last year by the Ombudsman’s Office, a whopping 71% of respondents said the right to health was the most violated right. People complain, among other things, about old infrastructure and poor conditions in medical institutions. The Ombudsman also mentioned the inadequate medical care provided for people in detention, where medical devices are in bad conditions, with some of them never certified as safe.
Presenting the study that covered 31 institutions, Elena Cernăuțanu, senior adviser in the Ombudsman’s Office, said only 67% of emergency admission units met minimum equipment standards. Most devices in diagnosis and surgery departments are worn-out and lack metrology check-ups. Of the 34 X-ray machines, 65% have an estimated degree of wear ranging from 75% to 100%, which represents a hazard for both patients and the operating staff.
About a third of hospitals reported a deficit of major medical equipment, and 80% didn’t have enough or good enough vital signs monitors. Little funds are allocated for regular check-ups and maintenance. In general, the public health system lacks a mechanism to prioritize institutions in most need of modernization.
Attending the event, Ministry of Health state secretary Rodica Scutelnic agreed that not all medical institutions meet equipment standards quality- and quantity-wise, but noted that “massive investments” have been made in recent years in the healthcare system. For example, 106 ambulances worth over 100 million lei were bought last year alone.
The Ombudsman’s Office recommends that the health authorities make it a priority to regularly maintain and verify medical equipment, and replace substandard devices with new ones.