# Maternity service disruptions in Moldova > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/maternity-service-disruptions-in-moldova > Updated: 2026-10-18T17:00:00.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. Moldovan healthcare facilities have faced disruptions to maternity and perinatal services in different districts. In Ștefan Vodă, the Ministry of Health decided against reopening the Level I perinatal center at the district hospital. An evaluation conducted between July and September 2026 concluded that the closure did not cause significant medical consequences or access issues, as most patients were successfully redirected to the Level II center in Căușeni. The Ministry plans to maintain limited local capacity for gynecological emergencies instead of full obstetric services. In Criuleni, the maternity ward at the district hospital suspended full obstetric activities following the resignation of the facility’s only neonatologist in July. Despite recent renovations and recruitment efforts, the position remains vacant. Consequently, pregnant women from the Criuleni and Dubăsari regions are being redirected to Chișinău for perinatal assistance, as officials stated that operating without a neonatologist is not possible in a safe capacity. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-18: Criuleni maternity ward suspends activity due to neonatologist shortage The maternity ward in Criuleni has suspended full operations after its only neonatologist resigned, forcing pregnant patients to seek care in Chișinău. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/criuleni-maternity-ward-suspends-activity-due-to-neonatologist-shortage ### 2026-09-24: Ministry of Health keeps Ștefan Vodă maternity ward closed Moldova's Ministry of Health will not reopen the Ștefan Vodă maternity ward, citing an evaluation that showed no major medical consequences from redirecting patients to Căușeni. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ministry-of-health-keeps-tefan-vod-maternity-ward-closed --- Cite as: Maternity service disruptions in Moldova. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/maternity-service-disruptions-in-moldova