Romania advances digital public service reforms with electronic hospital attendance system and e‑ID rollout

The Romanian Senate has tabled a draft law that would mandate electronic time‑tracking for all medical staff in public hospitals. The system would record each entry and exit to the second, using biometric or card‑based technology, and impose fines of up to 100,000 lei on hospitals and their managers for non‑compliance. The measure aims to eliminate undocumented absences, improve patient access, and reduce public‑sector payroll inefficiencies.

At the same time, the government is promoting the new electronic identity card (e‑ID). SPCLEP Lugoj offers free appointments for citizens aged 14 and over to obtain the card, which embeds a secure chip, meets EU data‑protection standards, and can be used for online public services and travel within the Schengen area and several other countries. The e‑ID is intended to streamline administrative procedures, lower paper use, and enhance personal data security.

Both initiatives reflect a broader push to digitalise Romania’s public sector, targeting greater efficiency, accountability and security in health care delivery and citizen‑state interactions.