Mapping and Diagnostic Study of Medical Services as a potential export sector of the Republic of Moldova

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

CONSULTING SERVICES - Mapping and Diagnostic Study of Medical Services

as a Potential Export Sector of the Republic of Moldova

REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES COMPETITIVENESS PROJECT

Sector: General industry and trade sector

IDA Credit No. 71740

IBRD Loan No. 94230

Project ID No. P177895

Reference No. MD-CEP-542547-CS-CQS

The Republic of Moldova has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Competitiveness Project (MSME) and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include the delivery a comprehensive, credible, and evidence-based mapping and diagnostic assessment of the export of medical services from the Republic of Moldova.

The assignment will be performed in a period of four (4) months from contract signature.  

The Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment is attached to this request for expressions of interest.

The Project Implementation Unit of the MSME Competitiveness Project now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services (required qualifications and experience of the firm, but not individual experts’ bio data).

This assignment requires a consultant, which shall be a consulting firm or a consortium of consulting firms, with proven experience in the field of the assignment, that meets the following minimum criteria:

• Has at least 5 years of demonstrated experience in conducting field researches, enterprise surveys, including carrying out sample-based enterprise surveys,
• Has experience with implementation of the assignments related to international healthcare services, medical tourism, or health sector consulting;
• Has relevant competence of the proposed staff with experience in healthcare consulting or export promotion, experience in international patient programs, and knowledge of international healthcare regulations and accreditation.
• Has relevant competence of the staff in conducting different type of surveys and researches.
• Has capacity to undertake survey implementation, data entry and processing, and analysis;
• Has experience in preparation of analytical reports and recommendations.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” November 2020 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.  A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the „Consultant’s Qualification-based Selection” method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications; but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected.

The Expression of Interest shall clearly state the name of the Consultant (individual Firm, Joint Venture or sub-consultancy). The Consultant shall provide relevant references (assignment name, Client, time frame, the role of the firm (main Consultant/Partner in JV/sub-consultant, contract amount, tasks performed etc.) to confirm its experience and qualifications.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by July 10, 2026, COB.

Project Implementation Unit of the MSME Competitiveness Project

180, Stefan cel Mare Ave., office 815, MD-2004, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova

Tel:  + 373 22 296-723

e-mail: piu@mded.gov.md

web:     www.uipac.md

E-mail for submission of the clarifications: piu@mded.gov.md

E-mail for submission of the EoIs: procurementmgf@gmail.com 

Only the notification of EoI submission must be sent to piu@mded.gov.md
 Terms of Reference (ToR)

for the Mapping and Diagnostic Study of Medical Services

as a Potential Export Sector of the Republic of Moldova

A.   Background

The Government of the Republic of Moldova (GoM) is pursuing a policy agenda aimed at supporting export-led economic growth. The MSME Competitiveness Project aims to increase the competitiveness of Moldovan enterprises by reducing the regulatory burden they face, improving access to finance, and strengthening MSME development and export competitiveness. The Project supports the digitization of government-to-business (G2B) services, which is expected to reduce compliance costs and administrative burdens for enterprises. In addition, improvements in quality infrastructure increase the availability of accredited laboratory services and reduce costs for enterprises, thereby facilitating increased exports. These measures contribute to enhancing MSME competitiveness in both domestic and international markets. The Project also provides funding for partial credit guarantees to improve MSME access to finance, as well as support for enterprises to upgrade their products and services. As a result, access to finance is expected to improve, contributing to MSME survival and growth, job creation or retention, and increased competitiveness and export performance.

The World Bank has supported the Government’s competitiveness and reform efforts through two Competitiveness Enhancement Projects (CEP I and CEP II), which were successfully completed and focused on: (i) regulatory reform; (ii) access of small and medium-sized enterprises to business development services and quality certifications through a Matching Grant Facility (MGF); (iii) access to finance through a line of credit (LoC) for exporters; and (iv) quality infrastructure, including equipment and institutional reforms in the areas of metrology, standards, testing, and quality. During the implementation of CEP II, supported activities generated approximately USD 215 million in new exports, created more than 1,000 jobs, and resulted in approximately USD 15 million in private-sector savings, linked to the implementation of the electronic one-stop shop for permits, among other reforms. A total of 270 companies benefited from the MGF, with more than 55 percent exporting for the first time. Program beneficiaries generated approximately USD 41 million in new export sales and created over 800 new jobs. Impact evaluations of the MGF showed that for every USD 1 invested, approximately USD 12.4 in new export sales were generated. Under the current operation, continued support for firms is envisaged through matching grants and export readiness programs. In particular, support provided under CEP II contributed to the launch of a new internationalization and export readiness program implemented by the Organization for Entrepreneurial Development (ODA), aimed at helping local enterprises become export-ready. Building on these achievements, the Ministry of Economy (MoE) has expressed a strong interest in a project that capitalizes on previous successes, addresses institutional capacity challenges, and adopts a more comprehensive approach to enterprise competitiveness.

Under its legal mandate, the Invest Moldova Agency (IMA) supports the promotion of Moldovan exports and contributes to strengthening the country’s presence on strategic external markets.

Although medical services represent a service export segment with significant growth potential, several public and private medical institutions in the Republic of Moldova already provide medical services to non-resident patients. However, the available information on this activity remains fragmented and insufficiently systematized at the national level. In particular, there is no consolidated evidence regarding the number and profile of public and private providers engaged in exporting medical services, the modalities under which such services are delivered, the range of medical services provided, the destination markets served, or the volume and trends of international patients, including the specific potential of the national balneary and wellness sector, and the role of the Moldovan diaspora as both an initial patient segment and an organic promotion channel. Furthermore, limited information exists...” regarding the key barriers and enabling factors that influence the performance and future development of this export segment.

In the absence of a structured and evidence-based assessment, the formulation of public policies, institutional coordination mechanisms, or targeted export promotion interventions cannot be adequately designed.

Therefore, Invest Moldova Agency seeks to commission a comprehensive analytical study aimed at mapping and diagnosing the current state of export of medical services from the Republic of Moldova, as well as to assess the potential of export of medical service growth.

B.         Objective of the Assignment

The objective of the assignment is to provide a comprehensive, credible, and evidence-based mapping and diagnostic assessment of the export of medical services from the Republic of Moldova. In addition to the general objective described above, the study shall provide a clear evidence base for decision-making by the Contracting Authority regarding whether the Republic of Moldova is sufficiently prepared to position and promote medical services as an export-oriented sector, which specific medical service niches demonstrate the strongest export potential, which target markets should be prioritized, and what practical support measures are needed for sector development. The assessment shall provide clear positioning of Moldova's USP in terms of medical services, rehabilitation, and wellness (including the valorization of existing balneotherapy assets).

Additionally, the regulatory and policy gaps and issues shall be assessed for the competitive development of the value chain.

The study shall:

1. Identify medical institutions and organizations already exporting services.
2. Define and classify the forms of export of medical services (type of medical services) applicable to the Moldovan context.
3. Analyze destination markets and patient profiles.
4. Assess volumes and observable trends.
5. Identify systemic barriers and enabling factors.
6. Highlight realistic development opportunities.
7. Provide actionable recommendations for potential public policy or institutional interventions, including a clear Unique Value Proposition (UVP) offered by the medical services sector (for export) of Moldova compared to other countries.

The study shall serve as an analytical instrument to support informed decision-making by the Contracting Authority.

C.        Definition of Export of Medical Services

The Consultant shall propose a clear, internationally aligned definition of “export of medical services.”

The Consultant shall:

• Identify and classify relevant forms of export of medical services applicable to Moldova (e.g., inbound patient mobility, cross-border digital provision, B2B institutional contracts, or other forms identified by the Consultant);
• Justify the proposed classification based on international frameworks (e.g., WTO/GATS modes of supply, OECD or EU approaches, where applicable);
• Clearly explain the methodological implications of the chosen definition.

The proposed definition and classification shall be included in the Inception Report and subject to approval by the Contracting Authority before full implementation.

D.        Scope of Work       

The Consultant shall apply a structured assessment framework for evaluating the export potential of medical services in the Republic of Moldova. For incentivizing growth, the study shall indicate what tools and incentives should be planned/implemented by the government and programmatic partners (e.g., state aid schemes, other type of fiscal or other incentives). At a minimum, the assessment shall consider the following criteria:

• service quality and patient safety standards;
• availability of qualified medical personnel;
• price-to-value competitiveness;
• infrastructure and equipment readiness;
• international patient readiness, including foreign language capacity and patient support services;
• accreditation, certification, and regulatory compliance;
• operational scalability and continuity of service provision;
• accessibility and travel/logistics factors;
• reputation and trust factors affecting foreign patient choice;
• legal, ethical, and medico-legal risks related to cross-border provision of medical services.
• existing international demand and the propensity of the Moldovan diaspora to access local healthcare;
• complementarity with the national tourism, recovery, and wellness offer;

To achieve the objectives, the Consultant shall undertake the following tasks:

1. Mapping of Providers

Identify and document:

• Public and private medical institutions, specialized clinics, rehabilitation centers, sanatoriums and wellness facilities that provide or may provide services relevant to international patients;
• Specialized clinics (including but not limited to surgical, diagnostic, reproductive, dental, rehabilitation, laboratory and imaging services);
• Organizations facilitating cross-border medical service provision, where applicable.
   

Mapping shall include:

• Institutional profile;
• Specializations and service portfolio;
• Experience with international patients;
• Organizational arrangements for handling non-resident patients.
   

2. Service Typology and Export Modalities

For identified providers, document:

• Types of services delivered to non-resident patients;
• Level of medical complexity;
• Degree of programmability;
• Need for post-treatment monitoring;
• Export modality (as defined under Section C).
   

3. Market Analysis

The market analysis shall include, inter alia, the following:

• Countries of origin of international patients;
• Channels through which patients access services (direct contact, diaspora, brokers, referrals, digital platforms, institutional agreements, etc.);
• Market dynamics and observable trends;
• Concentration patterns.

At least four (4) main destination markets shall be analyzed in depth.

4. Volume and Trend Assessment

Based on aggregated and anonymized data:

• Estimate number ranges of international patients;
• Identify growth or decline patterns over the past 5 years;
• Assess service-specific or seasonal concentration trends.

No personal medical data shall be collected.

5. Barriers and Constraints

Identify and categorize barriers, including but not limited to:

• Regulatory and legal barriers;
• Insurance and liability aspects;
• Language limitations;
• Logistical constraints;
• Recognition and accreditation gaps;
• Reputational risks;
• Institutional coordination gaps.

6. Enabling Factors and Opportunities

Analyze:

• Competitive advantages (cost-effectiveness, specialization, geographic proximity, the active promotion role of the diaspora, etc.);
• Services with export-ready characteristics;
• Realistic niche segments;
• Institutional or policy adjustments that could enhance export performance.
   

7. Presentation to a Reference Group

Upon completion of the draft Final Report, the Consultant shall:

• Present key findings, conclusions, and recommendations to a Reference Group selected by the Contracting Authority;
• Facilitate a structured validation discussion;
• Collect strategic feedback;
• Integrate relevant and agreed comments into the Final Report.

The Consultant shall prepare:

• A presentation package (PowerPoint and executive brief);
• A summary note of discussions and feedback received.
   

8. Development of a Promotional Video

Based on validated findings of the study, the Consultant shall develop one (1) commercial spot in English language, with a maximum duration of 60 seconds.

The video spot shall:

• Reflect only evidence-based findings derived from the study;
• Present strengths and competitive advantages identified;
• Avoid unverified claims or institutional guarantees;
• Be aligned with Invest Moldova Agency branding guidelines.

The Consultant shall be responsible for:

• Concept development and script drafting;
• Storyboard preparation;
• Production and post-production;
• English voice-over;
• Delivery in high-resolution digital format.

The final video shall be subject to approval by the Contracting Authority.

E. Methodology

Within twenty (20) days of contract signature, the Consultant shall submit an Inception Report including:

• Proposed definition and classification of export forms;
• Detailed methodology;
• Data collection instruments;
• Sampling approach;
• Risk mitigation strategy

The methodology shall include:

• Desk research;
• Structured survey of providers;
• Minimum 15 in-depth interviews with providers;
• Minimum 5 consultations with public authorities and stakeholders;
• Data triangulation.

No accreditation audit or clinical validation is required.

F. Deliverables

The Consultant shall submit:

1. Inception Report;
2. Final Report (RO and EN), including executive summary;
3. PowerPoint executive presentation (RO and EN);
4. Database of mapped providers (editable format);
5. Analytical annexes and datasets (non-sensitive);
6. Organization and delivery of a presentation event for the Reference Group;
7. Summary note of validation session;
8. Design and production of a promotional A4 foldable leaflet (digital version and 300 printed copies)
9. One (1) promotional video spot (English, max. 60 seconds).

G. Reporting and Supervision

The Consultant shall report to the Invest Moldova Agency. All methodological elements shall be subject to prior approval. All visual and communication outputs developed under this assignment shall be prepared in full compliance with the Invest Moldova Agency’s visual identity, communication standards, and brand book. Working languages: Romanian and English.

H. Duration

Maximum duration of the assignment is four (4) months from contract signature. The Consultant shall ensure delivery according to the following timeline:

• Final Inception Report – within 4 weeks from contract signature;
• Final Report – within 14 weeks from contract signature;
• Promotional video – within 16 weeks from contract signature.

I. Qualification Requirements for the Assignment

This assignment will require a Consulting firm or a consortium of such consulting firms, which:

• Has at least 5 years of demonstrated experience in conducting field researches, enterprise surveys, including carrying out sample-based enterprise surveys,
• Has experience with implementation of the assignments related to international healthcare services, medical tourism, or health sector consulting;
• Has relevant competence of the proposed staff with experience in healthcare consulting or export promotion, experience in international patient programs, and knowledge of international healthcare regulations and accreditation.
• Has relevant competence of the staff in conducting different type of surveys and researches.
• Has capacity to undertake survey implementation, data entry and processing, and analysis;
• Has experience in preparation of analytical reports and recommendations.

J. Terms of Payment

The Contract will follow a lump-sum payment structure in accordance with World Bank procurement procedures.

Payments will be made by the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) upon acceptance of the deliverables by Invest Moldova Agency according to the following schedule:

L. Confidentiality

All information obtained from beneficiary institutions shall be treated as confidential and shall not be disclosed without prior written approval of Invest Moldova Agency and the Project Implementation Unit (PIU).