Romania is „condemned” to increase its healthcare resources

This is one of the key findings of the study „Transparency of Money in the Romanian Healthcare System,” coordinated by Dragoș Niculae Garofil and recently published on the Applied Research platform of the Bucharest University of Economic Studies (ASE).

The study (accessible here in Romanian) highlights the main problems and challenges in healthcare financing, comparing Romania’s situation with that of other European countries.

Key conclusions of the study

Romania invests significantly less in Healthcare compared to the European average

The study shows that Romania allocates a significantly lower percentage of its GDP to healthcare than the EU average. Between 2013 and 2022, healthcare funding in Romania remained consistently below 50% of the European Union’s average (for example, in 2020, the EU average was 10.9% of GDP, while Romania allocated only 5.5%).

Funding growth must be sustainable and equitable

Although healthcare spending has increased by more than one percentage point of GDP in the past eight years, it is crucial that this process continues through sustainable public contributions, rather than relying solely on out-of-pocket payments from patients, which already account for approximately 30% of total healthcare spending.

European Funds: An opportunity, but with management challenges

European funding programs, such as the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and the Health Program, provide a valuable opportunity for modernizing infrastructure and improving healthcare services. However, the study emphasizes that efficient management of these funds is crucial to ensuring the success of healthcare reforms.

Healthcare expenditure growth is inevitable

Factors driving an increase in healthcare costs include population aging, the shift toward chronic non-communicable diseases, and rising costs for medical personnel and advanced technologies. The study suggests that Romania is „condemned” to increase its healthcare resources in the medium and long term.

The Healthcare system must become more efficient

To optimize the use of funds, a multi-annual budget planning strategy is needed, along with service contracting based on population needs and payment mechanisms that incentivize providers to deliver efficient and accessible services. Additionally, the study recommends greater transparency in resource allocation.

A strategic and sustainable approach is essential

The study provides a solid foundation for improving Romania’s healthcare financing policies, emphasizing the need for a strategic and sustainable approach. The data and conclusions presented can help develop a better understanding of the challenges facing the system and support the adoption of measures to enhance access to and quality of medical services.

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