CHISINAU, Moldova — Officials at a hospital in Moldova are investigating a surgeon's claim that he had to use a handyman's drill to perform an operation because proper equipment was unavailable.
Grigore Rusanovschi, a doctor at the Valentin Ignatenco Hospital in Chisinau, says he posted a video online Monday showing him using the drill. He accused management of failing to respond to his requests to buy equipment.
Hospital director Nicolae Starciuc said, however, that drills he purchased were not being used.
Health Minister Andrei Usatii told The Associated Press Wednesday that investigators had found three proper drills at the hospital, but had not found the drill that Rusanovschi says he used.
Viorel Soltan, former deputy health minister, said Wednesday that the video was accurate.
"It is genuine what happened and there are other cases that happen in Moldova where doctors use household drills," Soltan said.
Moldova is one of Europe's poorest countries with an average monthly salary of euros 225 euros ($300).
