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President Maia Sandu met today with Stella Kyriakides, the European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, who is on a working visit to the Republic of Moldova.
The Commissioner's visit coincides with the signing of the Joint Procurement Agreement, which will help our country purchase medicines and medical equipment together with the member states of the European Union. The purpose of the agreement is to provide increased security and access to vital products, especially during times of global shortages. Another advantage is obtaining more reasonable prices for the procurement of medicines or medical devices.
Additionally, President Maia Sandu appreciated that the Republic of Moldova is part of the EU4Health Program, through which our country has access to funding for strengthening the capacities and workforce of the health system, as well as for facilitating access to medicines and medical services for the population.
In recent years, the European Union has provided constant support for the modernization of the health system, including various departments in several hospitals across the country, contributing to the alignment of the national medical system with EU standards. The President also expressed gratitude for the support provided during difficult times - during the COVID pandemic and the refugee crisis, as well as for the assistance in procuring medical equipment and ambulances.