Moldova to follow Estonia’s example in implementing E-health solutions

A high-level delegation from Moldova’s Ministry of Health visited Estonia to familiarise themselves with Estonia’s digital healthcare system. The visit took place in collaboration with the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) and the World Health Organization (WHO), who recommended Moldova to follow Estonia’s experience in creating their own digital healthcare system. The delegation also met with the members of Connected Health Cluster.

Moldova’s health managers got acquainted with the structure of Estonia’s digital healthcare system, focusing on e-health records and e-patient portal, digital prescriptions and telemedicine services.

“At the moment, Moldova is building its e-state and its services, like the digital healthcare system. Moldova is investigating and deciding on what needs to be created and how it should be connected into one big data pool.This week’s visit was a good opportunity for Moldova’s health managers to acquire a wide range of ideas based on our system which we have been working on for years. We in Estonia are always ready to support our good partners by sharing our knowhow and experience,” confirmed Krister Kalda, the project manager for ESTDEV’s international IT projects.

The primary focus of the study visit was to gain insight into Estonia’s e-Prescription implementation and the challenges faced during this process. The delegation also explored the development of electronic health records (EHRs) and the advancement of telemedicine. Notably, special attention was given to improving healthcare services for displaced populations, particularly refugees. Efforts to implement EHRs that securely store and transfer refugees’ medical information, the utilization of mobile health applications to provide essential health information, access to telemedicine services, appointment reminders, and the use of digital tools and platforms for remote monitoring of health conditions and communication between refugees and healthcare providers were thoroughly discussed.

“The visit to Estonia provided us with a deeper understanding of the benefits of digital health interventions. We were particularly impressed by the effective use of mobile health applications and telemedicine services in improving patient care and communication. We are eager to implement similar solutions in Moldova to enhance healthcare delivery,” explained Andrei Uncuta, the director of the Timofei Moșneaga Republican Clinical Hospital.

During their visit, the Moldovan professionals had the opportunity to explore various institutions and organizations at the forefront of Estonia’s digital health initiatives. These included the Estonia Ministry of Social Affairs, the Estonian Centre for International Development, TEHIK – the Health and Welfare Information Systems Center, the Estonian Health Insurance Fund, the North Estonia Medical Centre, the Connected Health Cluster led by Tehnopol, the e-Estonia showroom, and one of the country’s largest pharmacies.

“The study visit provided an excellent opportunity for participants to exchange knowledge and best practices with Estonian experts and policymakers. It facilitated valuable insights into the successful implementation of digital health interventions, which have significantly strengthened Estonia’s health system. The Moldovan professionals and decision-makers can now apply these lessons to enhance their own healthcare services and improve the overall health system in Moldova,” published WHO Moldova after the visit.

By fostering collaboration between countries and promoting the adoption of digital health solutions, Moldova aims to enhance healthcare access, efficiency, and quality for its citizens. The study visit to Estonia represents a significant step towards achieving this goal, and the valuable experiences gained will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing development of Moldova’s health system.

Moldova became a priority country for Estonian bilateral development cooperation in 2006, with a focus on sharing the Estonian experience in building its e-state and carrying out reforms to build a democratic and efficient state government. Since the year 2000, Moldova has been supported by the Estonian development cooperation with investments of €10.4 million, during which 261 projects have been implemented in Moldova.

The article was published by Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV). ESTDEV is a government foundation that manages and implements Estonia’s participation in international development cooperation and humanitarian aid projects, with the aim of increasing Estonia’s contribution to global security and sustainable development.