Moldovan surgeons battle unprecedented surge as ice crisis paralyzes Chisinau
The Emergency Medicine Institute (IMU) in Chisinau has faced its most rigorous operational test this winter, as freezing rain and glazed frost transformed the capital’s streets into a public health hazard.
Over the past four days, medical teams have operated on an around-the-clock rotation to accommodate hundreds of patients suffering from fractures, dislocations, and severe trauma.
A hospital under pressure
Orthopedic surgeon Serghei Ratcov described the period as one of the most demanding of his career. To manage the surge, the institute recalled staff from scheduled leave and reorganized surgical units for maximum efficiency.
"The pressure was immense. While part of the team was in the operating theater, others remained to triage and examine the constant flow of arrivals," Ratcov stated.
Operational delays and logistical hurdles
The sheer volume of cases significantly extended the typical one-hour consultation window. Diagnostic services, particularly X-ray departments, struggled to maintain pace with the rapid influx of patients requiring immediate imaging.
Beyond the clinical workload, staff had to manage the heightened anxiety of patients and their relatives, many of whom faced long wait times while in significant pain.
National impact of the freeze
In the last 24 hours alone, the Emergency Admissions Unit treated over 300 individuals for ice-related injuries. This medical crisis mirrors the wider regional paralysis, where freezing rain has suspended intercity transport and restricted travel across much of the Republic of Moldova.
Emergency services remain on high alert as the adverse weather conditions—characterized by freezing fog and sleet—are expected to persist, continuing to impact both public safety and healthcare infrastructure.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
