Extensive investigations at USMF following Romanian doctors' diploma scandal

Extensive examinations are taking place at Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy after Romanian authorities questioned the authenticity of residency diplomas granted by this institution to Romanian doctors. Health Minister Emil Ceban said that every case and individual is being checked. The official insisted that the diplomas are genuine and explained that the doctors were enrolled during a period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and the refugee crisis.


"I can say with complete certainty that the diplomas are not fake, they are genuine, and a copy of the file exists for each diploma. I am the person most interested in solving this issue following this investigation. These individuals were enrolled in 2019, followed by a period of COVID-19, the refugee crisis, and a decision to participate online. Subsequently, during that period, the practical part was conducted in Romanian institutions, and the theoretical part and examinations were held in institutions in the Republic of Moldova," stated the Health Minister.


Emil Ceban also stated that an internal investigation was conducted, and extensive checks are taking place at USMF:


"We informed the National Anticorruption Center (CNA), conducted an internal investigation, and extensive checks are currently underway at the university on the files, each individual. We await responses from our partners. The investigation is ongoing. Regarding the national authorities' side, I have no results yet. We are open to providing all necessary information for the investigation to yield a result."


Asked whether he would go to Romania after being summoned by authorities there, Emil Ceban responded affirmatively: "Of course, yes." Moreover, Ceban refused to comment on whether the complaints might have come from the Republic of Moldova.

Health Minister Emil Ceban, who until recently held the position of rector at Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, categorically rejects any allegations or suspicions that the institution issued residency diplomas to Romanian doctors who did not attend courses. "It is a falsehood," Emil Ceban declared emphatically, reacting to information that surfaced after Romanian authorities conducted searches in a case involving several Romanian doctors.

According to a statement from the Romanian Police, 14 searches were conducted on 5 November at the headquarters of an institution and the homes of several individuals.


"From the administered evidence, it emerged that residency studies, which were supposed to involve the mandatory physical presence of resident doctors at university clinical bases, did not actually take place, as during the specialization courses, the resident doctors were in Romania, where they were employed full-time," the Romanian Police statement reads.


The National Anticorruption Center (CNA) is examining an official complaint from Health Minister Emil Ceban, requesting a complete investigation of the circumstances regarding the supposed fake diplomas issued to Romanian doctors by Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Chisinau. The minister requests clarification of all aspects and identification of any legal violations.