Criuleni Health Center has a modern radiology and medical imaging laboratory, thanks to support provided by the European Union and UNDP

With an investment of over 185,000 euros, the European Union and UNDP have modernised the radiology and medical imaging laboratory. After almost four decades, patients of the Criuleni Health Center can benefit from modernised radiological services. The new imaging machine can not only take chest X-rays, but also bone X-rays, allowing doctors to identify fractures or dislocations. Patients will no longer have to go to other medical institutions for radiology services.

“The European Union promotes equitable access to quality healthcare on the whole territory of the country, also as an instrument to strengthen cooperation and social cohesion between communities on both banks of the Nistru river, which is at the core of the ‘Confidence Building Measure’ programme, implemented by UNDP,” stated Jānis Mažeiks, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.

The services offered by the new medical equipment will benefit the residents of the Criuleni and Dubăsari districts, including residents of the left bank of the Nistru River. The purchase of a radiology and imaging station, including the renovation works, was made possible with the support of the European Union Confidence Building Measures Programme, implemented by UNDP.

“The old microradiography machine, installed in 1987, has not been functional since 2022. During the pandemic it worked maximally, but with great difficulties. We had to contract the services from the district hospital which, due to the high volume of investigations, often deteriorated. With the installation of the new equipment, we will have the opportunity to investigate more population from risk groups from Criuleni and Dubăsari districts,” said Violeta Panico, head of the Criuleni Health Center.

The new X-ray machine is connected to a computer that keeps electronic archive for 1,000 films, as well as a medical film printer. Moreover, individual radiation protection equipment was provided for the laboratory staff.

In addition to the purchase of the new X-ray machine, renovation and refurbishment works were carried out in the laboratory. The electrical, heating and ventilation networks were replaced. The finishing of the radiology cabinet was carried out in accordance with the new sanitary standards. The laboratory was equipped with technologically advanced X-ray resistant furniture.

“There is a huge difference between old and new equipment. Now we work in very good conditions and benefit from modern equipment. The level of radiation is 20 times lower than before, which allows us to diagnose a larger number of patients and significantly reduce the waiting time,” said Dumitru Cara, an imaging doctor at the Criuleni Health Center.

“The first time I come to the new Roentgen, we’ll see how it goes. Until now we used to go to the old one because we need to undergo the X-ray once a year, that’s what they ask us to do at work,” says Irina, a cook.

“Now we hope it will be better, clearer images. We schedule in advance and come to the center when needed,” adds Anatol from Oxentea village.

More than 60,000 patients, including from the left bank of the Nistru River, are consulted annually at the health centre in Criuleni.

Since 2009, the EU has funded a number of projects to improve the healthcare sector in the region, providing vital equipment and renovating five health centres in the security zone, the hospital in Rezina and the hospital in Criuleni. In addition, exchanges of experience between specialists and health professionals from both banks of Nistru River have strengthened cooperation and improved the capacity of medical staff. In total, on the right bank alone, eight health facilities have been renovated, with investments of over €1 million, benefiting around 40,000 people on both banks.