- Romania invested only EUR 817 per capita in healthcare;
- Healthcare expenditure in Romania accounted for only 6.5% of GDP;
- Only 3.7% of healthcare spending was allocated to preventive services, well below the European average of 6.0%.
Bucharest, September 17, 2024 – In the context of World Patient Safety Day, observed on September 17, Cristian Hotoboc, President of the Employers’ Association of Private Healthcare Providers – PALMED, emphasized the importance of increasing investment in healthcare and implementing reforms aimed at ensuring the safety and quality of medical care in Romania.
According to the annual report “The Economic Impact of Romania’s Private Healthcare Sector“, produced by PALMED in collaboration with EY Romania and released in May 2024, our country invested only EUR 817 per capita in healthcare, ranking last in the European Union. This figure underscores the need for additional investment to improve patients’ access to quality medical services and to ensure a high standard of safety.“Patient safety must be the central priority in our healthcare system. It is important to focus on increasing investment, not only to improve medical infrastructure, but also to ensure a standard of excellence in medical care”, said PALMED President Cristian Hotoboc.
The report’s data show that in Romania healthcare expenditure accounted for only 6.5% of GDP, placing the country near the bottom of the European Union rankings. “Investment in healthcare is a driver of Romania’s economic and social development. To maintain patient safety, it is essential to invest in infrastructure, qualified personnel, and modern medical technology”, added Cristian Hotoboc.
The same report also shows that only 3.7% of healthcare spending was allocated to preventive services, well below the European average of 6.0%. Cristian Hotoboc highlighted that prevention is a key pillar of patient safety, underscoring the need for policies that promote prevention to reduce the incidence of chronic diseases and improve patients’ quality of life. “Patient safety depends on effective collaboration between healthcare providers and the authorities. PALMED is committed to promoting best practices in the private sector and supporting initiatives that ensure a safe medical environment accessible to all. Investment in prevention also plays a crucial role in reducing pressure on the health budget. It is less traumatic for the patient and more cost-effective to prevent or treat diseases in their early stages than to manage complicated cases in advanced stages”, added Cristian Hotoboc.
PALMED, the Employers’ Association of Private Healthcare Providers, is the leading advocate for private-sector healthcare providers in Romania. For nearly 18 years, PALMED has upheld patients’ right to high-quality, affordable medical services. PALMED members have a significant presence in the local market and contribute substantially to the national economy. PALMED’s objectives address both its members and patients, including promoting fair competition among private healthcare providers and ensuring patients’ rapid access to medical services, while maintaining an appropriate balance between quality and price.