Romania healthcare system faces 98 million lei funding deficit

Romania’s healthcare system is facing a severe financial crisis, with a reported deficit of approximately 98 million lei. Interim Health Minister Cseke Attila stated that the Ministry is attempting to cover this gap by reallocating funds from other internal programs, including HIV-AIDS and transfusion security, to address urgent needs for emergency units (UPU) and ambulance services.

Approximately 17 county ambulance services are reportedly running out of funds for essential operational costs such as fuel, medicines, and medical supplies for September. While salaries are reportedly secured through November, the lack of operational funding threatens service continuity. Labor unions have called for an immediate budget rectification for the fourth quarter to prevent a total breakdown.

Former Health Minister Alexandru Rogobete has urged Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan to utilize the Government's reserve fund to prevent a systemic collapse. He warned that many emergency units may only have supplies remaining until the end of the month and noted that critical programs, including intensive care and cardiac surgery at the C.C. Iliescu Institute, are at risk due to the funding imbalance.