Predictions for the evolution of Romania’s healthcare system in 2025

Political instability will further weaken the already underfunded and unreformed public healthcare system, creating a vicious cycle where the lack of reforms and uncertain funding drive medical professionals away, leaving patients suffering due to the lack of quality services. If politicians do not provide stability and long-term vision, 2025 could be a difficult year for Romanians’ health.

1. Medical staff crisis

The exodus of doctors and nurses continues in Romania as well as in other countries in the region. The country will keep losing specialists to Western nations, where salaries and working conditions are significantly better. The future government might attempt to curb departures or offer financial incentives to retain medical staff. For instance, Romania might once again increase doctors’ salaries, but without serious reforms, money alone will not solve the problem. Hospital managers may also start aggressively recruiting doctors and nurses from Asia or Africa.

2. Digitalization and telemedicine

Electronic health records and online consultations will become more common, but slow IT infrastructure development and bureaucratic hurdles will hinder progress. Telemedicine services, already available through a simple Google search, will continue to expand, allowing patients to consult specialists or schedule appointments with ease. However, the adoption of these technologies will be uneven, with major cities benefiting more than rural areas. The issue of internet access and digital literacy remains—elderly patients and those in disadvantaged areas may struggle to use new medical technologies.

3. Underfunding and delayed investments

Healthcare budgets will remain insufficient, and many hospitals will continue to operate at the brink of collapse. In Romania, the promises of regional hospitals date back more than a decade. Without massive European funding and political will, modernization will remain theoretical. Meanwhile, the private sector is expanding. Private hospitals and clinics will continue to attract patients, but access will be limited for those with low incomes.

4. Health crises and antibiotic resistance

Infectious diseases will remain a challenge, especially in overcrowded hospitals where nosocomial infections are difficult to control. Antibiotic resistance is becoming an increasingly serious problem in the region, while strategies to combat it remain weak. Vaccination continues to be a controversial topic, with waves of misinformation potentially undermining immunization campaigns for preventable diseases.

5. Rising patient costs

Patients will have to pay out of pocket for many services, even within the public healthcare system. Rising prices for medications and medical equipment will put additional pressure on hospitals and pharmacies. In Romania, the „envelope” (informal payments) persists, despite authorities’ declared anti-corruption efforts.

Currently, Romania is facing political instability, which means that investments in hospitals and infrastructure will be delayed or mismanaged. European funds could be postponed or even blocked. In the short term, budget cuts in the public healthcare system are possible if the economy slows down and the government needs to make spending reductions.

The lack of predictability will make recruiting young doctors even more difficult, especially in public hospitals. Under these conditions, if the public system continues to weaken, patients with financial resources will increasingly turn to private clinics and hospitals.

The growing distrust in public hospitals will lead to a polarization of healthcare access—those who can afford it will receive better services, while those without financial means will suffer.