Authorities have sounded the alarm over conditions found at nursing homes across Romania, as inspections by the Autoritatea Națională pentru Protecția Consumatorilor (ANPC) revealed unacceptable standards of care. Over 250 nursing homes for the elderly and people with disabilities, including minors, were inspected, and the findings were nothing short of alarming.
The inspections were initiated by Cristian Popescu Piedone, the president of the ANPC, who worked collaboratively with multiple agencies, including the General Directorate for Social Assistance and Child Protection (DGASPC), the County Agency for Payment and Social Inspection (AJPIS), and local health authorities. The purpose was to evaluate compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations.
Among the most pressing violations discovered were filthy kitchens, broken furniture, and various dangers to health. The conditions described by inspectors included dirty refrigerators with broken seals, unwashed dishes, and food items lacking proper labeling or expiration dates.
Bedrooms fared no differently, where inspectors reported damaged beds, unclean mattresses, and dilapidated furniture. Bathrooms were plagued with mold, malfunctioning sanitary fixtures, and electrical hazards.
The findings paint a grim picture of how some vulnerable populations are treated within these facilities. Alarmingly, many establishments stored food at improper temperatures, posing significant health risks for residents. Reports also indicated the presence of expired food products among the supplies.
One particularly egregious incident occurred at the facility operated by Persoana Fizică Autorizată Șubă Sorin. When ANPC inspectors attempted to conduct their investigations, the operator initially refused them access and even called the police to their location. After some time, authorities succeeded in breaching the door, only to find 11 elderly residents living under dire conditions. Despite repeated requests, the facility could not produce legal documentation to support its operation.
To make matters worse, seven out of the 11 residents were relocated illegally by the operator, breaching directives issued by health authorities. Tragically, one elderly individual died during transport to the hospital after emergency services were called. This death has prompted investigations by local authorities.
The situation was dire enough for authorities to order the urgent relocation of the residents as early as February 15, but the facility owner's noncompliance with these orders led to this harrowing incident.
“This tragedy underlines the importance of adhering to regulations governing the care of vulnerable individuals and how the failure to comply can lead to disastrous consequences,” emphasized ANPC authorities.
Reports highlight the widespread nature of the issue. Even beyond this incident, several facilities across various regions, including Iasi, report similar inadequacies, raising serious concerns about the systemic failures within the care industry.
ANPC has called for increased vigilance and more stringent inspections to prevent such tragedies from occurring regularly. By underscoring the need for accountability, the authorities are urging the public and responsible institutions to heighten awareness and take appropriate measures against such breaches of care standards.
Authorities are determined to closely monitor these facilities moving forward, stressing the dire need for compliance with safety and hygiene standards. Without these checks, the health and safety of individuals under care remain perilous.
This case is part of larger conversations surrounding elder care and the treatment of disabilities within Romania, as public outcry grows for improved standards and systems of accountability within these institutions.