Increase in joint replacement surgeries as demand grows in Moldova
Nearly 6,500 joint replacement surgeries were performed last year under the "Locomotor System Prosthetics" program, an increase of 1,400 compared to 2023.
These procedures, mainly knee and hip replacements, were fully funded through mandatory health insurance, with a total budget of approximately 440 million lei. Knee replacements accounted for the majority, with around 4,500 surgeries conducted.
Tatiana Miheda, a 68-year-old from Tighina, underwent knee replacement surgery last year and recently had the same procedure on her other knee. Despite seeking medical help early and following treatment, her pain persisted.
"I worked at Apă-Canal and had to walk long distances. One day, I collapsed while walking, and soon after, my knee pain worsened. The treatment only helped for about a month and a half," Miheda shared.
Ala Dolgher, 69, from Orhei, has undergone three knee replacement surgeries since 2022 and recently had a hip replacement. Her joint issues began in 2019.
"I could barely walk. Then I had COVID, which made things worse. After several consultations and X-rays, the doctors told me surgery was my only option," Dolgher explained.
In 2023, the Clinical Hospital for Traumatology and Orthopedics performed around 1,900 joint replacement surgeries. Depending on complexity, a procedure can last up to an hour. Doctors are noticing an increasing number of osteoarthritis cases in younger patients.
"The rehabilitation period lasts about two months. However, patients begin moving the day after surgery and can walk with crutches by the third day," said orthopedic surgeon Sergiu Ciobanu.
Joint replacement surgeries are provided free of charge for insured patients who meet medical criteria and are placed on a waiting list.
"The average waiting time for these surgeries is between one and one and a half years. We have contracts with 22 medical service providers, including both regional and national healthcare institutions," said Doina-Maria Rotaru, Deputy Director of the National Health Insurance Company.
For 2024, CNAM has allocated over 460 million lei for joint replacement services, including more than 31 million lei for medical supplies. The average cost of a single procedure is estimated at 70,000 lei.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
