After graduating university, he worked as therapist between 1966 and 1969 and finally as an otorhinolaryngology medic in the local hospital of Strășeni.

Furthermore, He is the author of 367 published scientific papers, including 5 monographs, 4 manuals, 30 methodical guidances and 17 patents.

Starting with the year 1994 he was rector of the State University of Medicine and Pharmacy ”Nicolae Testemițanu” in Chișinău.

Ion Ababii occupied a series of administrative roles: president of the Otorhinolaryngologists Society in the Republic of Moldavia; primary specialist of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Republic of Moldavia; member of the Higher Commission of Accreditation of the Republic of Moldavia, member of the Scientific Council specialised on defending doctoral theses, president of Senate, Scientific Council, Bureau of Senate and the Administration Council of the State University of Medicine and Pharmacy ”Nicolae Testemițanu” in Chișinău.

From 8 November 2005, he was named Minister of Health and Social Protection by decree of the president of the Republic of Moldavia.