Moldova’s sole prosthetic hub battles staff shortages
For many Moldovans living with amputations, the path to recovery runs through a single specialised facility in Chișinău. The Republican Experimental Centre for Prosthetics, Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation (CREPOR) is the only institution in the country providing free prosthetic limbs and orthopaedic footwear to veterans and the disabled.
The centre serves as a vital lifeline, producing approximately 480 prosthetics annually with an investment of €617,000 (approx. 12 million MDL) from the state budget. For patients like Ion Vețeli, a veteran with a mobility disability, these services are transformative. "Since I received this new model three years ago, I haven’t fallen once," Vețeli said during his daily rehabilitation session.
Technological contrasts
Despite its essential role, the facility operates within a striking technological gap. While the centre now produces European-standard modular prosthetics, some of its workshop machinery dates back to 1945 and the 1960s. "Newer technology arrived in 2005 through a Chinese Embassy grant," explained Isidor Saviu, head of the production department.
The institution also faces a critical shortage of specialised personnel. While some staff members have over 40 years of experience, recruiting new talent remains a challenge. Ina Podvalenco, a recent hire, noted that they produce specialised footwear that patients "simply cannot find anywhere else."
Modernisation goals
Beyond manufacturing, CREPOR offers a comprehensive rehabilitation cycle, including diagnosis and physical therapy. However, leadership acknowledges the need for further evolution to meet international standards.
"Today we make modular prosthetics at a European level," said Oleg Pascal, CREPOR's deputy director. "Unfortunately, our production department still lags behind. We aim to close this gap and provide higher-quality services to our citizens."
Translation by Iurie Tataru
