Dr. Tatiana Păduraru, Acting Head of the South-Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) Secretariat, participated as invited guest in the Erasmus Final Telenursing Conference hosted by the European Nursing Council (ENC) on January 22, 2025.
The event, held at Club de la Fondation Universitaire in the presence of ENC President Mr. Mircea Timofte, brought together healthcare leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss the future of digital and remote care.
The Final Telenursing Conference featured a wide range of participants, including representatives from key European networks, organizations, and global institutions. Delegates included officials from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG Santé), who shared insights on the EU’s Digital Health Action Plan and its role in driving remote care innovation.
Prominent European networks, such as the European Social Network (ESN), and national regulatory bodies like the French Regulatory Body for Nurses (ONI) and the Hellenic Regulatory Body, provided valuable perspectives on aligning policy frameworks and operational strategies for integrating telenursing into healthcare systems. Leaders from educational institutions, including the University of Thessaly, and organizations specializing in training and digital transformation shared their experiences in implementing telenursing platforms and programs.
As a distinguished panelist, Dr. Păduraru delivered a compelling address titled “The Role of Digital Health in SEEHN Member States,” emphasizing the vital role of telenursing in addressing regional healthcare challenges such as workforce shortages, access in rural areas, and overall system resilience.
“In rural and underserved areas across the SEEHN region, telenursing provides an innovative solution for delivering high-quality care. It enables nurses to conduct remote consultations, monitor chronic conditions, and educate patients, significantly improving access to healthcare,” Dr. Păduraru stated.
Key Points from Dr. Păduraru’s Intervention:
Digital Health Transformation in SEEHN Member States: Dr. Păduraru highlighted the ongoing shift toward digital health solutions, emphasizing their potential to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery. She underscored the pivotal role of nurses and midwives, who are the backbone of healthcare systems in the region, in driving this transformation.
Collaboration and Capacity Building: She stressed the importance of investing in workforce development, enhancing digital health literacy, and promoting cross-border knowledge exchange. Dr. Păduraru also highlighted the critical role of SEEHN’s RHDCs in fostering continuous professional development and regional collaboration.
Leveraging Regional and EU Support: Dr. Păduraru called for stronger partnerships between SEEHN Member States, the European Union, and international stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of digital health solutions.
Future Vision for Telenursing: Building on the outcomes of the Telenursing project, Dr. Păduraru proposed the creation of a regional platform to integrate training resources and improve care quality through digital tools. The action could be a potential starting point for regional collaboration for the RHDC on Nursing and Midwifery hosted by Romania.
The Final Telenursing Conference marked a significant milestone in the Erasmus+ project, offering actionable insights into how digital innovation can empower nurses and enhance healthcare systems. Dr. Păduraru commended the ENC and project partners for their efforts and reaffirmed SEEHN’s commitment to fostering regional collaboration and supporting digital health initiatives.
“Telenursing is more than a technological solution; it is a transformative tool for achieving more equitable and resilient healthcare systems across our region,” she concluded.
Dr. Păduraru further emphasized SEEHN’s role in orchestrating cross-border initiatives that transcend boundaries, with RHDCs fostering capacity building and workforce development. She reaffirmed SEEHN’s commitment to contributing to new policy directions and regional initiatives aimed at advancing healthcare through digital transformation.
SEEHN announces the appointment of Dr. Tatiana Paduraru as Acting Head of the SEEHN Secretariat following the unexpected passing of Dr. Mira Jovanovski-Dasic. In accordance with the SEEHN Memorandum of Understanding (2008) and its Amendments (2011), the SEEHN Executive Committee convened an extraordinary meeting on 26 November 2024. During the meeting, the Executive Committee, in line with the Statute of the SEEHN Secretariat, appointed Dr. Tatiana Paduraru, Technical Officer at the SEEHN Secretariat, as Acting Head of the Secretariat. This appointment ensures the smooth operational management and continued functioning of the Secretariat until a permanent Head of the Secretariat is endorsed. Dr. Tatiana Paduraru brings extensive national and international expertise to her new role. With nearly a decade of experience in Moldova’s central government health sector, she successfully established a donor coordination mechanism replicated across other sectors. Recognized for promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability, she was awarded the prestigious John Smith Memorial Trust Fellowship in the United Kingdom, focusing on tobacco control policies. Her educational background includes a medical degree in dermatology, clinical experience at Saint Louis Hospital in Paris, and a Master’s degree in Health Management & Law from CNAM, Paris. Dr. Paduraru further honed her leadership and policy skills during her fellowship in Edinburgh and London. She has contributed to civil society at national and international levels, including a successful assignment in Georgia that delivered key health policy recommendations, such as the Primary Health Care Strategy and Human Resources Strategy. Dr. Paduraru’s experience spans collaboration with the World Health Organization and civil society and work in developing settings, with a particular focus on official development assistance. She co-chaired the Executive Board of Emerging Voices for Global Health (2020-2025) and was a Young Forum Gastein Taskforce Member (2014-2015). As a Technical Officer at SEEHN, her primary focus has been coordinating and implementing public health interventions to advance universal health coverage in SEEHN member states. ✅The SEEHN remains committed to its mission to improve regional cooperation in public health and ensure the seamless continuation of its work during this transitional period.
“Together, we are stronger than we could ever be alone.” – Dr. Mira Dasic.
Today, the South-Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) community came together both in person in Sofia, and online to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Dr. Mira Jovanovski-Dasic, a remarkable personality in public health and health diplomacy.
Recently, we bid farewell to Dr. Dasic, who served as the Head of the SEEHN Secretariat and was known for her visionary approach that significantly enhanced regional and global health collaborations.
The commemorative event served as a heartfelt prelude to the SEEHN Health Diplomacy Course, where participants reflected on Dr. Dasic’s profound influence on public health initiatives, her advocacy for health equity, and her relentless pursuit of cross-border partnerships.
Messages of condolences and tributes poured in from esteemed health leaders from all 9(nine) SEEHN member states, international collaborators, and colleagues who shared personal stories of her steadfast dedication, and genuine warmth and friendship.
Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, shared: “We will remember Dr Dasic as a charismatic public health leader, staunch supporter of the health workforce, a champion in health diplomacy and a determined advocate for health equity.”
A moment of silence was observed in her memory, underscoring the profound loss felt across the SEEHN community and beyond.
The SEEHN Health Diplomacy Course, which commenced right after the tribute, was dedicated to Dr. Dasic as a testament to her vision of promoting collaboration and enhancing health outcomes across the region.
“Dr. Dasic was not just a leader—she was an inspiration and a cherished friend to all. Her legacy will be our guiding light as we forge ahead,” remarked Dr Svetlana Nicolaescu, Chair of the SEEHN Executive Committee, Deputy Secretary General, Ministry of Health, Republic of Moldova.
In recognition of her extraordinary legacy, the SEEHN Secretariat is collecting condolence messages and letters from ministries of health, partners, collaborators, colleagues, and friends of Dr. Dasic. These tributes will be compiled into a book of condolences and presented to her family as a symbol of the immense respect and gratitude she inspired.
The SEEHN community remains steadfast in upholding Dr. Dasic’s values and continuing her mission, ensuring her vision catalyzes progress for years to come.
