Former U.S. Ambassador Pamela Hyde Smith Speeches
Ambassador Pamela Hyde Smith's speech at the Opening of the Moldova Medical University Primary Health Care Center under the USAID-funded Health Partnership Program
April 10, 2003
Theme I: Health Care
There is so much talk these days about economic development and what must be done to ensure the prosperity of population. It is not often that we address the important role that health plays in this development process that is why I am so pleased to announce here today the opening of the University Primary Health Center. This center is the fifth health facility established in Moldova with the support of the U.S. Government through its Agency for International Development and non-governmental implementing partners. Women's wellness centers provide "one-stop" primary and specialty services for women in Chisinau, Cahyl and Drocia, as well as a family medicine clinic comprehensively addresses the health needs of the population of the Botanica district in Chisinau.
This University Center will encompass a family medicine clinic and a "Clinical Skills Training Center." This family medicine clinic will serve approximately 12,000 residences of the Buiucani district in Chisinau. Up to 70-80% of patients with common diseases will be treated at the primary health care level rather then being referred to specialized expensive hospitals. Compared to the former system, family medicine clinics like this one represent a cost-effective, community -based alternative.
This clinic health services are designed in a manner which can be replicated by the authorities on a broad scale. Eventually, as services become less expensive in an increasing number of modern family medicine clinics, this will lead to a more cost-effective utilization of scarce resources and a more affordable system.
This shift in the provision of health care services requires better training of doctors and students to allow providing dramatically improved and broader services. A Clinical Skills Training Center is an additional teaching arm for the medical university and will provide refresher training for doctors and initial training for resident students. Theme II: Partnerships
This Primary Health Care Center is another tangible result of our collaborative efforts to promote quality health care services in Moldova. The U. S Government approach to aid and assistance has been based on building sustainable partnerships between U.S. institutions and their Moldovan counterparts. This has always been a key principal. In this way we have built mutual trust and understanding, and shared our know-how.
The partners involved in the creation of this Center represent a unique blend of sponsors from the government, public, private, and non-profit sectors. Their concerted efforts have resulted in increased access to up-to-date medical technology, which will allow not only treating diseases but, more importantly, preventing diseases or their complications. Funding from the United States Agency for International Development has enabled the American International Health Alliance and Eastern Virginia Medical College to identify appropriate technical assistance and training to meet the needs of this particular medical facility. Physicians, residents, nurses and civic leaders have attended conferences and participated in training in both the Republic of Moldova and the United States. Tomorrow an International Conference on "Training Professionals for Primary Health Care" will be held at the Medical University. Clinical and technical training will be continued by partners.
Carelift International, Sentara Health Systems and North Carolina significantly contributed with donations of equipment and supplies to make this medical facility a reality for the citizens of Moldova. We all applaud the Moldova Medical University personnel for their tremendous efforts in mobilizing community and administrative resources to renovate this three-stored building.
In closing, I wish to convey my appreciation to all those partners who have come together to make this Center a reality. I am sure that this facility will be known as one of the best of its kind in the entire country and will help set the standard for quality healthcare in Moldova. Thank you for your efforts and congratulations for what you have accomplished.
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