Moldova modernises vet training
The Moldovan government is rolling out the red carpet for aspiring veterinarians, hoping to entice them to fill critical gaps in rural areas.
Starting this year, fresh graduates who choose countryside practice will receive a generous one-time grant of nearly 200,000 lei, mirroring similar incentives for doctors and teachers. Additionally, veterinary students will benefit from cutting-edge equipment and training thanks to a collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and the World Bank.
Launched in December, the "Agri" project will establish a state-of-the-art mobile veterinary clinic at the Technical University of Moldova's (UTM) Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. This clinic will serve two crucial purposes: firstly, providing students with hands-on experience under the guidance of experienced professionals, and secondly, delivering essential veterinary care to livestock in remote areas, covering a radius of approximately 100-120 kilometres. The mobile clinic is envisioned as a pilot project, paving the way for similar initiatives in other regions.
Anastasia Oleinic, a fifth-year veterinary student at UTM, exemplifies the enthusiasm this program aims to generate. After spending nine years studying abroad, including three years honing her skills at a UK college, Anastasia is determined to return to her rural roots in Teleșeu, Orhei district. "I'm deeply drawn to Moldova, especially rural life," she shares. "I dream of becoming a village veterinarian and perhaps even starting my own farm someday. The government's new program, with its financial support and focus on modern training, feels like a true game-changer for our profession."
While other students echo Anastasia's passion for animal care, some express concerns about the long-term financial prospects of rural practice. A student from Soroca acknowledges the lack of veterinarians in his hometown but cites non competitive salaries as a deterrent. Nonetheless, the hope remains that initiatives like the "Agri" project and the one-time grant will make rural veterinary careers more appealing and sustainable.
UTM's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has already seen a 10% increase in enrollment compared to 2023, a trend the administration expects to continue as the program gains momentum. "We believe these new incentives, coupled with the ongoing modernization of our facilities and equipment, will significantly boost the number of future veterinarians serving rural communities," emphasises Dean Mihail Popovici. He highlights the widespread adoption of mobile veterinary clinics in the US and EU as a model for Moldova's success.
With at least 200 veterinarian positions currently vacant in rural areas, Moldova's efforts to attract and retain talent are timely and crucial. The "Agri" project and the generous one-time grant represent a significant step towards bridging the gap and ensuring access to vital veterinary care for all corners of the country.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
