In Moldova, cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment services are covered under the compulsory health insurance system (HIS) – the National Health Insurance Agency (CNAM).
On the occasion of World Cancer Day, which is celebrated on February 4, the National Health Insurance Company draws attention to the fact that in Moldova, services for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer are covered by compulsory medical insurance funds for both insured and uninsured persons. At the same time, every year the number of services offered to cancer patients within the framework of the Unified Compulsory Health Insurance Program is increasing. Last year, about 41 million lei was allocated for this category of services from the compulsory health insurance funds, which is 10 million more than the amount planned in 2019. Within the framework of inpatient treatment, CNAM pays the costs of treating patients, including expensive consumables, radiation therapy sessions, chemotherapy and anticancer drugs: last year, 245 million lei were allocated for these purposes (due to the pandemic, expenses were 46 million lei less than in 2019). The compulsory health insurance funds also cover the cost of high-tech services for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer at the Oncological Institute. In 2020, the list of such medical services was replenished with cytomorphological studies necessary for screening, earlier diagnosis and treatment of oncological diseases. About 10 million lei was allocated for the provision of such services to patients with oncological diseases. In addition, from 2020, from the compulsory medical insurance funds, patients receiving outpatient radiation and chemotherapy services will cover the costs of suburban and intercity public transport. Cancer patients also receive anesthetic drugs with compensation during episodic treatment in a day hospital, treatment rooms, at home: such drugs are provided for children-patients free of charge, for adults - with 70 percent compensation. In addition, funds are allocated for the implementation of performance indicators within the framework of primary medical care for the prevention, early detection and surveillance of oncological diseases, for example, in the first quarter of 2020, about 10 million lei were allocated for these purposes, and 0.26 million lei from the prevention fund was allocated for breast cancer screening with mobile radiological equipment, etc. It should be noted that oncological diseases are one of the most common causes of death in Moldova (in the first place - cardiovascular diseases). In 2012-2019, the number of cancer patients in the country increased from 163.2 to 173 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants. More than 6.1 thousand people die from various types of cancer annually, while mortality among men is 1.5 times higher than among women. To prevent cancer, doctors recommend increasing physical activity, leading a healthy lifestyle, reducing the consumption of foods high in fat and low in fiber, sugary drinks, salt and processed foods, red and processed meat. It is recommended to consume more fruits, vegetables, grains, do not smoke, reduce stress factors, etc. // 04.02.2021 - InfoMarket.
