Chisinau, Moldova — 11 August 2025 — The Republic of Moldova has significantly strengthened its international position in medical and educational services, doubling its exports in these sectors over the past five years. With growing numbers of international patients seeking high-quality, affordable treatments and an increasing influx of foreign students pursuing medical and pharmacy studies, Moldova is rapidly establishing itself as a key player in the global healthcare and education markets.
According to official data, medical service exports nearly tripled from USD 25.1 million in 2020 to approximately USD 64.4 million in 2024. This upward trend continues steadily, with first-quarter figures rising from USD 14.09 million in 2024 to USD 16.49 million in the same period of 2025 — marking a 17% increase.
Medical Tourism: A Strategic Growth Sector
Moldova attracts patients primarily from Romania and Italy, but also from Ukraine, Germany, Poland, Switzerland, the UK, Israel, Canada, and the US. The most in-demand treatments include dentistry, cosmetic surgery, ophthalmology, in vitro fertilization, and complex medical procedures. Experts estimate that Moldova currently leverages only 5% of its medical tourism potential, with forecasts suggesting the sector could reach USD 1.5 billion in annual export revenues.
A landmark achievement for Moldova’s medical tourism industry was its election to lead the Global Healthcare Travel Council (GHTC) for 2024–2026, outpacing countries like Germany and Saudi Arabia.
“When we launched this project, I believed Moldova could become not only a regional hub but also a global reference point for medical tourism. We have top-tier specialists and competitive prices, complemented by our country’s stunning landscapes, cuisine, and world-class wines. To capitalize fully, we must develop infrastructure—including airport connectivity—digitize healthcare services, and confidently promote Moldova internationally.”
said Andrei Revenco, founder and Executive Director of the Medical Tourism Association of Moldova
Dentistry Leads as a Key Attraction
Dentistry is the most sought-after segment, confirmed by Professor Valeriu Fala, founder of Fala Dental Clinic:
“Patients from the diaspora and countries like Italy, Romania, France, Germany, the US, and Canada increasingly choose our clinics for complex treatments, particularly in masticatory rehabilitation. These require multidisciplinary teams, and our favorable quality-to-price ratio—with procedures up to five times more affordable than in developed countries—is decisive,”
noted Prof. Fala.
Education Exports Also See Robust Growth
Moldova’s educational service exports surged by 134% over five years, increasing from USD 10.66 million in Q1 2020 to USD 24.91 million in Q1 2025. Most students come from neighboring countries, attracted by international curricula, affordable fees, and prospects linked to European integration.
This growth is reflected in the performance of the Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, which annually enrolls over 1,800 international students from 33 countries.
“In 80 years of activity, including 40 focused on internationalization, we have trained over 51,000 specialists, with 8,000 graduates from 45 countries. Our strong reputation, WFME accreditation, affordable tuition, and multicultural environment attract students especially to Medicine and Dentistry programs. Through curriculum modernization and continuous investment, USMF has become a competitive education center contributing to Moldova’s global prestige,”
said Professor Emil Ceban, Rector of USMF.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
The outlook for Moldova’s medical tourism sector remains promising. From 25 to 28 September 2025, Moldova will host the Global Healthcare Travel Forum, with more than 50 countries and about 100 industry experts expected to participate — a clear testament to the country’s rising global profile.
“Leading the Global Healthcare Travel Council fuels medical tourism development and enhances Moldova’s global visibility. In a competitive regional economy, Moldova is demonstrating its ability to convert its strengths—highly skilled professionals, low costs, and quality services—into a national brand and strategic asset,”
said Natalia Ciobanu, President of the Medical Tourism Association of Moldova and GHTC Chair.
On 19 September 2025, Chișinău will host the HealthTech Forum 2025, a flagship gathering of innovators, investors, and healthcare leaders from Moldova and abroad, showcasing the country’s vision to become a regional hub for digital health, medical tourism, and pharma tech. Held under the theme “Moldova is Open for Health Innovation” and as part of the prestigious Moldova Business Week economic event, the forum will feature cutting-edge solutions in AI, IoT, blockchain, and digital twins for healthcare, alongside investment opportunities and export-ready projects. Participants will connect with decision-makers, discover pioneering startups, and explore Moldova’s role in shaping the future of health in Eastern Europe. Secure your spot now at www.mbw.md.
Data Sources: National Bank of Moldova (NBM), Medical Tourism Association of Moldova
