The expansion of the program is part of an initiative by the Ministry of Health and the Institute of Oncology aimed at bringing treatment closer to patients and reducing the need for regular trips to Chisinau, as well as the physical and financial burden on patients and their families.
Currently, chemotherapy is already available locally in eight districts. In addition to Anenii Noi and Soroca, the service is provided at district hospitals in Briceni, Cahul, Florești, Orhei, Sîngerei, and Ștefan Voda.
“For a cancer patient, every trip means time, expense, and additional physical effort during a difficult period. We are bringing treatment closer to people while maintaining the same level of medical oversight, decision-making, and safety standards. We are not simply relocating a medical service; we are reducing the actual burden on patients and their families,” said Health Minister Alexandru Gasnash.
The treatment plan and regimen are determined by a multidisciplinary oncology committee at the Institute of Oncology following an initial assessment of the patient and, if necessary, a follow-up examination. District hospitals provide only those types of treatment that can be performed safely and in accordance with national clinical protocols.
During the pilot phase of the program, which ran from August 2025 to June 2026, 432 patients received treatment at six regional hospitals where the service was already available, undergoing a total of 597 courses of chemotherapy.
