Chornobyl health toll still impacts Moldovans
Dozens of people carrying flowers and placards gathered at the Memorial Complex for the victims of the Chornobyl disaster to thank the heroes, 39 years after the tragic accident at the nuclear power plant.
To help liquidate the consequences of the 1986 accident, 3,000 Moldovans were mobilized. Of these, over the years, more than a third have died.
In this context, several commemorative events were held across the country to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives combating the consequences of the nuclear accident.
According to Tudor Căpățină, president of the Public Association "Chornobyl Union of Moldova," over 1,800 liquidators are still alive, but their children suffer from severe illnesses. Radionuclides accumulated in their bodies continue to affect the health of survivors, and the true number of victims of radiation-induced illnesses remains unknown.
“Many perceive this event as belonging to the past, but the harmful effects of this catastrophe continue to negatively influence people's health and the environment, even though 39 years have already passed since the Chornobyl disaster.”
This tragedy demonstrated major flaws in the Soviet system and, alongside other causes, contributed to the collapse of the Soviet Union. Attempts by the Soviet authorities to conceal the accident further aggravated the scale of the disaster, Ukraine's Ambassador to Chișinău, Paun Rogovei, said at the victim commemoration rally. According to him, the world was on the verge of a new nuclear disaster in 2022 when Russian troops occupied the Chornobyl Power Plant. Thanks to the courage and professionalism of the Ukrainian staff, the operation of essential equipment was maintained, avoiding a major disaster.
The consequences of the catastrophe crossed the borders of the region. Radioactive contamination was recorded in Sweden, Norway, Poland, Austria, Switzerland, Finland, and even in Great Britain. Nearly 5 million people were affected by this accident. Let us also pay tribute to those who in 2022 risked and lost their lives to prevent a new catastrophe during the Russian occupation of this area.
On April 1, 2025, pensions were indexed by 10% for pensioners, including victims of the Chornobyl disaster. Annually, they receive a supplementary payment of one thousand lei. The National Social Insurance House (CNAS) is responsible for ensuring the transfer of funds for the payment of this aid to approximately 1,650 people.
The state guarantees these social groups various compensations and forms of aid, including monthly state disability allowances for varying degrees of disability, compensation for health damages, and annual material assistance for health-related expenses. They also offer free access to sanatorium treatment and monthly compensations in lieu of food products and supplements that help eliminate radionuclides. Additionally, other social benefits are provided, such as old-age pensions, disability pensions, or survivor's pensions.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
