Moldovan PM, World Health Organization director for Europe discuss reforms in health

Chisinau, 25 November /MOLDPRES/ – The reform agenda in health and achievements of the Cabinet in this segment were the basic themes discussed at today's meeting of Prime Minister Pavel Filip with the Regional Director of World Health Organization (WHO) for Europe Zsuzsanna Jakab, the government’s communication and media relations department has reported.

Prime Minister Pavel Filip thanked the World Health Organization for supporting Moldova in strategic documents on health sector modernization and for the provided help at merging the national legislation to European standards in the pharmaceutical sector. "The health sector is a priority for the government. Personally, I am much involved in this sector reforming, changing the public health system, to the improvement of health services and providing citizens with essential medicines at affordable prices," said Pavel Filip.

The head of the Executive said that partnership with WHO was significant for Moldovan authorities and WHO’s expertise and technical assistance to Moldova is vital in implementing reforms on providing citizens with healthcare of quality.

At his part, the Regional Director of WHO Europe, Zsuzsanna Jakab, praised the progress made by Moldova in public immunization, in reducing maternal and child mortality, and combating smoking, stressing that Moldova could serve as an example for other states. "Moldova is a small country and can better deal with challenges. You can count on WHO’s support in ensuring sustainable development of health sector and the reforms needed to provide according and qualitative medicine," Zsuzsanna Jakab said.

The officials also exchanged opinions on the implementation of programs to prevent disease, fight with alcoholism and obesity, as well as the implementation of legislative provisions that prohibit smoking in public places.

Moldova joined the World Health Organization on 4 May 1992.

(Editor M. Jantovan)