Moldova medical center director fired amid corruption scandal
The director of the "Raisa Pacalo" Center of Excellence in Medicine and Pharmacy in Chișinău has been dismissed, announced the Minister of Health, Ala Nemerenco.
"Instead of diligently nurturing future medical professionals through competency-based training, ethical conduct, and genuine compassion for suffering patients, they are corrupting young minds, instilling models of systemic corruption. Schemes included embezzling funds through fictitious employment in various positions for individuals who never showed up for work or perform any duties, collecting money from students, rigging public procurement and favoring certain businesses, using the institution's resources for the benefit of third parties, and leasing the institution's premises and equipment for the manufacture of dentures and dental prosthetics—this was their modus operandi," wrote Ala Nemerenco on her Facebook page.
For context, 45 searches were carried out by CNA officers in the criminal case targeting schemes of embezzlement of public funds by decision-makers and employees of the "Raisa Pacalo" Center of Excellence in Medicine and Pharmacy. The institution's director, chief accountant, human resources specialist, and a department head are under accusation. Five other people have suspect status.
On February 20, the director of the "Raisa Pacalo" Center of Excellence in Medicine and Pharmacy, the chief accountant, the human resources specialist, and a department head were detained by CNA officers.
Two days later, the Prosecutor's Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Cases informed that the detained persons were released and allowed to remain free during the investigation.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
