Chisinau, March 27 – The International Organization for Migration in Moldova facilitated the delivery of new medical equipment to the Institute of Oncology as part of a project funded by the European Commission's Service for Foreign Policy Instruments.

The Gamma Probe System CENNA-500W is an equipment that will be used in various types of cancer surgeries where sentinel lymph node biopsy is indicated. This includes cancers such as breast cancer, melanoma, and certain types of head and neck cancers.

Dr. Victor Ciuperca, head of the Skin Cancer and Melanoma section of the Institute of Oncology, stated that the Institute of Oncology did not have such a device so far and that the Gamma Probe will guarantee a new approach and a new technique for patients, including Ukrainian refugees.

“This device will allow us to implement the method of early detection of the Sentinel Lymph Node according to the approved National and International Clinical Protocols. We will be able to correctly assess the stage of oncological disease and apply timely and effective treatment for skin, breast, gynecological and cervical cancer. We will have the opportunity of combining surgical treatment with polychemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, reducing disability due to oncological diseases, and increasing the survival time of oncological patients. This is a diagnostic method that will be implemented for the first time in the Oncology Institute and in Moldova."

The donation, worth 450,000.00 MDL (equivalent to 25,499.00 USD), is part of the Project “Strengthening national capacities and services to ensure Ukrainian refugees have access to quality protection, education, and health services, and greater opportunities for socio-economic inclusion” implemented by IOM in Moldova to support the Ministry of Health and Oncology Institute, in particular through direct coverage of the costs of exceptional medical expenses, and to guarantee diagnosis and oncology treatment for refugees, third-country nationals and Ukrainian refugees.

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For more information: Riccardo Severi, Communications and Public Information Officer, IOM Moldova, rseveri@iom.int