Social

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

Carolina Străjescu

Carolina Străjescu

Author

Read more

Over 200,000 saplings planted as part of the "Forest Generation" campaign
Social

Over 200,000 saplings planted as part of the "Forest Generation" campaign

The afforestation campaign started today in the village of Mălăiesti, Orhei district. More than 600 government employees, Moldsilva workers, and volunteers participated in planting trees. Throughout the day, over 200,000 saplings, including red oak, maple, ash, and acacia, were planted on over 40 hectares. This initiative is part of the national "Forest Generation" campaign, launched in 2023, which aims to rehabilitate degraded forest areas and create new forests by 2032. The goal is to increase the afforestation rate from the current 12% to 15%.

Next steps in the Republic of Moldova's accession process to the EU were discussed by Anca Dragu and Jānis Mažeiks
Political

Next steps in the Republic of Moldova's accession process to the EU were discussed by Anca Dragu and Jānis Mažeiks

The governor of the National Bank of Romania, Anca Dragu, met with Jānis Mažeiks, the head of the Deleation of the European Union in Chișinău, to review the main recommendations from this year's EU Enlargement Report regarding Moldova. They focused on actions needed to meet the EU accession criteria.

59 polling stations for the Romanian elections, opened in the Republic of Moldova. Law enforcement officers will ensure public order
Elections

59 polling stations for the Romanian elections, opened in the Republic of Moldova. Law enforcement officers will ensure public order

As many as 59 polling stations will be set in the Republic of Moldova for the presidential elections in Romania, which will take place between November 22-24. In this context, the General Police Inspectorate announces that the law enforcement officers will be on duty these days to provide support in ensuring public order and guarding polling stations.