ASSESSMENT OF EMPLOEES' MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE QUALITY IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

Introduction. One of the primary responsibilities of public health is to monitor, protect, and improve employees’ health. Objectives. This study's goal is to identify the gaps in the activities of the Medical Commissions engaged in the medical screening of workers exposed to occupational risk factors and of the Public Health Centers in the field of Occupational Health in order to implement the Labor Organization Convention no. 161 regarding occupational health services. Material and methods. A transversal study was carried out using sociological, descriptive and hygienic methods. The self-evaluation questionnaires of the activity of the medical commissions involved in the medical screening of employees and of the Public Health Centers in the occupational health field served as the object of study. The statistical activity reports of the evaluated services were also studied. Results. The study's findings revealed that prophylactic medical screenings of persons subject to the action of occupational risk factors is not systematized, and that these examinations are only superficially carried out with the exclusion of the medical services outlined in Annex No. 1 of Government Decision 1025/2016 and the participation of medical professionals with specialties other than those required. The communication between the service providers (Medical Commission-Public Health Centers) is fragmented or nonexistent. Due to unsuccessful reforms, the current legislative framework in the area of occupational health is inconsistent and provides a basis for erroneous interpretations. Conclusions. It is crucial to promptly restructure the forms in which occupational health services are provided and review the entire legal framework in the relevant field in order to implement ILO Occupational Health Services Convention No. 161