Approval Process
Purposes of clinical research in Moldova are reflected in the classification of clinical studies. The competent authority responsible for approval and supervision of clinical studies is the Drug Agency within the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.
- realistic start-up time: 4.5 months
Recruitment Potential
Moldova has a low standard of state funded healthcare. All citizens are entitled by law to equal access to a minimum amount of free healthcare. The basic package of free healthcare is limited to emergency assistance and treatment for acute illnesses. There is often a long waiting list to see consultant doctors, so large groups of treatment-naïve patients are eager to participate in clinical trials in order to receive novel treatment.
The people of Moldova mainly suffer from cardiovascular diseases, cancer and respiratory diseases. The consumption of alcohol is so high among Moldovan citizens that it has become a major reason for death in the country and is responsible for the highest burden of diseases such as: liver cirrhosis, injuries, ischemic heart disease, certain cancers, addiction, and depression.
Estimated deaths per 100,000 population by cause (higher than world/European average):
| Diseases | Moldova | World Average | Europe Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular diseases | 732.1 | 240.9 | 465.2 |
| Digestive diseases | 122.4 | 32.0 | 30.9 |
| Unintentional injuries | 53.9 | 48.0 | 40.4 |
| Infectious and parasitic diseases | 22.0 | 77.7 | 19.3 |
| Mental and substance use disorders | 17.1 | 4.3 | 11.1 |
| Congenital anomalies | 7.4 | 8.8 | 4.6 |
| Neonatal conditions | 7.4 | 31.5 | 6.0 |
Data from World Health Organization
Investigators and Sites
Hospitals and clinics exist in all major towns and cities of Moldova. There are 100 hospitals across the country (including rural hospitals and Central District Hospitals), five Outpatient Clinics, a Dentistry, a Psychiatric and a Dermatology Hospital in the capital city of Chisinau. Additionally, there is a railway, a military and a trade union hospital. The Moldova University Hospital is a chain of hospitals situated all over the capital of Moldova. The Trinity Hospital, St. Michael Hospital and The Emergency Hospital are the best known medical care units in Moldova. Whilst there are a small number of private GP practices, there are no private clinics or hospitals. The private healthcare system is used by a limited number of people because treatment is extremely expensive.
Throughout Moldova there are 15,700 specialist doctors who are highly trained. There are numerous specialist fields of medicine like gynecology, oncology, pediatrics and dermatology.