The Romanian government's ambitious healthcare reform agenda aims to boost healthcare funding by 1% of GDP annually, aligning with European standards. This increase, as part of the government's broader strategies, seeks to improve healthcare accessibility, efficiency, and quality nationwide.
According to Agerpres, the program emphasizes several key priorities, including legislative changes intended to encourage fair and transparent competition between the public and private healthcare sectors. Such reforms are modeled after effective practices observed across other European nations.
Significantly, the proposed funding increase is set to progress each year until the total reaches the average healthcare expenditure observed across the European Union. This strategic move is part of efforts to bolster the resilience and reliability of the Romanian healthcare system, significantly benefiting citizens.
The government is also introducing multi-year budgeting measures for enhanced predictability and planning. For upcoming years, Romanian health authorities will strive for high absorption rates of European funds designated for healthcare, particularly between 2025 and 2028. A substantial focus will be on improving community healthcare services by modernizing and equipping medical centers, especially within rural and smaller urban areas, which have historically faced challenges with access to care.
One of the flagship aspirations is enhancing primary healthcare services by implementing incentives aimed at attracting medical professionals to underserved regions. Measures under consideration include financial incentives for family doctors nearing retirement to extend their practice and support for community health workers.
Continued investments are planned for upgrading hospitals within the Romanian healthcare system. The government will leverage partnerships between public and private sectors to facilitate new projects and infrastructure redevelopments.
Healthcare preventive programs also status as high priorities. Expanding early detection programs and developing addiction prevention centers are central focuses, particularly targeting adolescents and children. These initiatives will be supported by European funding.
The government also plans to improve palliative care options, increasing funding for at least 4,000 palliative care beds and establishing new public child palliative care centers.
Human resources management is another significant aspect of the reform agenda. The government acknowledges the need to streamline professional recognition for healthcare professionals returning from the diaspora, making it easier for them to re-enter the local job market. Finalizing the Health Professionals Register and adjusting job openings and competitions to align with actual healthcare needs are underway.
Digitalization is set to play a transformative role within the healthcare system, with initiatives aimed at rolling out electronic health records and creating unified health insurance platforms to simplify patient access and reduce bureaucratic burdens.
Among other plans, the government aims to shorten the duration for introducing new medications for reimbursement and encourage the growth of the domestic pharmaceutical industry.
With the implemented reforms and strategic funding increases, Romanian authorities aim to create sustainable healthcare infrastructure. This effort includes advocating for community healthcare assistance and addressing pressing public health issues through screening programs and expanded healthcare services.
These ambitious proposals represent not only urgent policy adjustments but also the groundwork for Romania's future healthcare environment, focusing on meeting the real needs of its citizens effectively.
