8 in 10 residents of Timișoara say they are satisfied with their health – findings from the Quality of Life Barometer by the Timișoara City Hall and West University

A study conducted by the Timișoara City Hall in partnership with the West University of Timișoara (UVT) shows that most residents of the city consider themselves healthy and have a positive perception of their health status. The research, part of the Quality of Life Barometer, provides data on how citizens access medical services and what criteria they use when choosing healthcare providers.

According to the results, around 8 in 10 residents of Timișoara say they are satisfied with their health, many stating that they do not have medical problems or that they are successfully managing already diagnosed conditions.

Generational differences in perceived health

The data reveal clear differences between age groups. Younger respondents report much more frequently that they have no health problems, while older residents are more likely to follow treatments for chronic diseases.

Local authorities say the information may guide investments in the city’s healthcare system.

Deputy Mayor Paula Romocean emphasized the importance of data-driven public policies:

“Good public policies start with understanding the reality of the city. That is why we have begun collecting more data about Timișoara and its residents, with a current focus on health. For the local administration, the most important investment is the new Municipal Hospital designed with a modular structure so that it can be expanded and adapted over time according to medical developments and patient needs.”

According to the deputy mayor, the feasibility study for the new hospital has been completed together with the World Bank, and the project will move forward toward implementation through a public–private partnership.

Family physicians remain the first point of contact

The study shows that family physicians remain the main entry point into the healthcare system for more than half of respondents.

At the same time, nearly one in five residents of Timișoara turn directly to a private clinic when they face a health issue.

When choosing healthcare services, respondents cited two main criteria:

• professionalism of the medical staff
• conditions in healthcare facilities.

The role of prevention and education

The results also highlight differences in preventive health behavior. People with higher education are more likely to visit a doctor for routine check-ups, while those with lower educational levels tend to seek medical care mainly to continue treatments already started.

Researchers emphasize that these differences underline the importance of proper information and access to preventive healthcare services.

Public system versus private services

Residents of Timișoara use both public and private healthcare services. Although private services receive slightly better evaluations, most residents still rely primarily on the public healthcare system, especially among older adults.

The rector of the West University of Timișoara, Prof. Marilen Gabriel Pirtea, highlighted the importance of such studies in decision-making processes:

“I begin to believe that a culture of public data and sectoral studies is emerging, evaluated by university specialists and discussed within the community.”

Prof. Andrei Motoc, Vice-Rector of the “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Timișoara, stated that initiatives of this type provide valuable insights into the real needs of the community and can serve as a starting point for effective public health policies.

Study methodology

The analysis is part of the Quality of Life Barometer in Timișoara and was conducted by researchers from the West University of Timișoara.

The survey was carried out between June and November 2025 on a sample of 2,511 residents aged over 18, stratified by gender and age.

Data were collected through face-to-face interviews – 1,319 respondents and online questionnaires – 1,192 respondents.

The margin of error of the study is ±2%.

The full report can be accessed here:
https://assets.primariatm.ro/e1680cf7-59f9-4c93-becb-e54fe89de6e2.pdf