At the same time, the number of young foreigners coming to study medicine and pharmacy in Chisinau is increasing, attracted by modern programs, international recognition and affordable tuition fees.
According to a study by the Investment Agency, exports in the field of medicine have almost tripled in just five years. If in 2020, $25.1 million was received from the provision of medical services to foreign patients, then already in 2024 – about $64.4 million of income. This growth is noticeable not only in annual terms, but also in the dynamics from quarter to quarter.
In Q1 2024, exports of medical services amounted to $14.09 million, while in Q1 2025 it reached $16.49 million, increasing by almost 17%.
Medical tourism is becoming an increasingly important sector of the economy. Moldova attracts patients mainly from Romania and Italy, but also from Ukraine, Germany, Poland, Switzerland, the UK, Israel, Canada and the USA. The main services include dentistry, cosmetic surgery, ophthalmology, in vitro fertilization and complex medical interventions.
According to experts, the country realizes its potential by only 5%, with the possibility of reaching an annual export volume of $1.5 billion in medical services.
An important event for Moldova’s international recognition was its election to the leadership of the Global Health Tourism Council (GHTC) for the period 2024-2026. In this regard, Andrei Revenco, founder and executive director of the Medical Tourism Association of Moldova, said: “When we started this project, I was sure that our country could become not only a regional center of medical tourism, but also a reference point for patients from all over the world. We have outstanding specialists, affordable prices, and we can combine their experience with our sights, national cuisine and worthy wines. Now all we have to do is to develop our infrastructure, including the airport, to facilitate connections to major capitals, digitize our medical system and confidently promote our country internationally.”
Dental services are the most attractive for foreign patients, confirms Valeriu Fala, USMF professor and founder of Fala Dental.
“More and more patients from the diaspora, as well as from countries such as Italy, Romania, France, Germany, the United States and Canada, choose our clinics for comprehensive medical services, especially in the area of rehabilitation of the masticatory system. The treatment involves multidisciplinary teams, from dentists to neurologists, physical therapy and alternative medicine specialists. The price-quality ratio is a decisive factor: the same procedures are up to 5 times more affordable than in developed countries,” said Valeriu Fala.
As for the export of educational services, it has increased by 134% over the last five years: from $10.66 million in Q1 2020 to $24.91 million in Q1 2025. State University of Medicine and Pharmacy named after Nicolae Testemitanu. Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy annually attracts more than 1,800 foreign students from 33 countries.
From September 25 to 28, 2025, the Republic of Moldova will host the Global Medical Tourism Forum, with more than 50 countries and about 100 experts in this field announcing their participation.
“Presidency in the Global Medical Tourism Council is a significant step forward in the development of this field and increasing our country’s visibility in the world. Moldova demonstrates that it can transform its competences – well-trained staff, low costs and quality services – into a national brand and strategic advantage”, said Natalia Ciobanu, President of the Medical Tourism Association of Moldova, President of GHTC.
