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Romania to gradually reduce number of hospital beds by 2028 under new national plan
Romania plans to reduce hospital beds by 2028 under a national strategy focused on efficiency, fewer avoidable admissions, and stronger outpatient care.
The Romanian Ministry of Health has published for public consultation a draft decision approving the National Hospital Bed Plan for 2026–2028, which предусматри gradual reduction of inpatient capacity as part of broader healthcare system reforms.
According to the draft, the total number of contractable hospital beds at national level will decrease progressively:
- 112,593 beds starting May 1, 2026
- 107,902 beds in 2027
- 103,211 beds in 2028
The plan includes beds for continuous hospitalization (both acute and chronic conditions), but excludes beds in prison hospitals, beds for individuals under custodial measures, and palliative care beds, which are financed separately.
Gradual reduction amid “excess bed capacity”
The explanatory note highlights that Romania remains above the European average in terms of hospital beds per capita, despite reductions over the past decade. After a period of stability (2017–2023), with 119,579 beds nationwide, and a first decrease to 117,284 beds for 2023–2025, the new plan proposes further cuts.
Authorities cite recent data on bed occupancy and utilization, indicating excess capacity in many hospitals and inefficient use of resources.
Shift in healthcare model: fewer admissions, stronger outpatient care
The document points to a structural issue: long-standing underfunding of primary care and outpatient specialist services, which has led to a shift of patients toward hospital and emergency services.
Identified consequences include avoidable or unnecessary hospital admissions, overcoding practices, excessive use of inpatient care.
The new plan aims to address these issues by:
- reducing avoidable hospitalizations
- expanding outpatient and day-care services
- aligning hospital capacity with actual population needs
Target: up to 20% reduction by 2030
The 2026–2028 plan is part of a broader strategy under the National Health Development Strategy 2023–2030, which aims to reduce inpatient bed capacity by up to 20%.
By 2030, approximately 23,457 beds are expected to be removed, including 14,073 beds during 2026–2028, with an average annual reduction of about 4,700 beds.
Implications for healthcare contracting
The number of beds established by the decision represents the maximum threshold for which health insurance funds can contract services with public and private hospitals. The distribution by county and for Bucharest will be set annually by ministerial order.
The draft regulation is set to enter into force on May 1, 2026.
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