In cases of catastrophic health events, the patients’ chances for survival and recovery depend on timely access to a healthcare institution with adequate diagnostic, emergency response and acute care capacity. Rehabilitation should be initiated concomitantly with acute care in order to prevent complications, support recovery, and reduce disability. The new project aims at enhancing emergency healthcare and rehabilitation services for stroke patients and individuals facing other life-threatening conditions. This initiative, along with support from other international partners, seeks to improve Moldova's emergency medical response system and to ensure equitable access to quality care for all.

In recent years, Switzerland has already provided substantial support to Moldova’s emergency care system, notably through contributions aimed at improving the stroke treatment services and the emergency services provided by hospitals to address the healthcare needs of patients, including refugees from Ukraine. Switzerland contributed 3.55 million CHF (73 million MDL) to WHO to procure performant core medical equipment for 13 specialized stroke centers across the country, as well as for three district-hospitals (Anenii Noi, Căușeni, Ștefan Vodă) and the municipal hospital „V. Ignatenco” from Chișinău. In addition, over 1,000 medical professionals have been trained to ensure high standards in stroke care. Now, these institutions ensure innovative, high-quality emergency care for patients.

Switzerland has been a long-standing partner during Moldova’s social and economic transformations since 2000 and is one of the largest bilateral grant-giving donor in the health sector.