Moldova's TB fight goes digital: Cards boost patient support, compliance
Outpatient tuberculosis (TB) care in Moldova is poised for a digital transformation in 2024, as the National Health Insurance Company (NHIC) announces the introduction of a bank card-based reimbursement system for vital patient expenses.
This innovative approach aims to enhance operational efficiency, improve access to resources, and incentivize treatment adherence for improved TB outcomes.
"By streamlining financial support through readily accessible bank cards, we strive to simplify the process, encourage treatment compliance, and optimise resource allocation," stated NHIC Director General Boris Gherghișan, outlining the key objectives of the new system.
Enhanced Convenience and Transparency:
The card system replaces the current practice of issuing food vouchers and cash handouts. Each patient will receive a free bank card usable for food purchases at any store within the country. Additionally, a monthly stipend of 150 lei (approximately $7) will be directly deposited onto the card, facilitating immediate access to transportation costs. This shift to electronic transactions eliminates logistical inconveniences for patients and enhances financial transparency for administrators.
Compliance-Driven Incentives:
A crucial aspect of the new system is its focus on treatment adherence. Financial support will be conditional upon patients completing their full 28-day medication regime each month. This compliance-driven approach aims to address the crucial challenge of drug resistance and ultimately improve TB cure rates.
Optimised Resource Management:
The NHIC anticipates the card system to foster more efficient resource utilisation. Electronic transactions enable precise tracking of funds, minimising the risk of administrative errors and misallocation. Moreover, targeted reimbursement based on verified treatment adherence ensures resources are directed towards compliant patients, maximising the impact of support efforts.
The system's implementation has been facilitated through collaborative efforts with medical institutions and a designated commercial bank. While further details regarding card activation and specific rollout timelines are forthcoming, the transition to a cashless reimbursement system marks a significant advancement in Moldova's tuberculosis control measures.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
