Mental healthcare reform in the Republic of Moldova

Mental healthcare in the countries of the former Soviet Union faces considerable challenges as result of the socio-economic transition. In this article we look at the changes in the Republic of Moldova. We identify weaknesses and strengths in the traditional hospital-based system and describe examples of the successful implementation of modern mental health services. We follow the reform process in mental health law and service provision in view of the recommendations from the Council of Europe (2004) for the protection of human rights of persons with mental disorder. Some of the information in this article was gathered during official visits to mental healthcare institutions in the Republic of Moldova in 2006.