Bucharest, Feb 12 /Agerpres/ - The Ministry of Investments and European Projects (MIPE) is launching, this year, calls for projects worth over 1.7 billion euros within the Health Programme, the institution announced in a press release sent to AGERPRES on Wednesday.

'This year is a crucial year for the Romanian healthcare system, which comes with 97 calls for funding through the Health Programme, totaling more than 1.7 billion euros. Over 250 million euros are invested in screening, for the early detection of serious diseases, over 200 million euros in oncology, so that cancer patients have access to modern treatments, over 200 million euros for the treatment of critically ill patients, Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and major burns centres, so that hospitals are better equipped for emergencies. Ultimately, these are funds that mean safer hospitals, faster treatments and medical services closer to people,' stated Minister Marcel Bolos, quoted in the press release.

Over 672,000 people will benefit, thanks to European funds, from screening programmes for the early diagnosis of oncological diseases or communicable diseases. Other investments will target the infrastructure and medical services in Romania, emphasising the increase in the accessibility and quality of medical care at all levels, notes the same source.

The programme aims to develop a modern and efficient medical system, from prevention and diagnosis to treatment, through investments in infrastructure, digitalisation and the development of the skills of health professionals.

Approximately 228 direct beneficiaries, including hospitals, public health institutes and central and local public authorities, will receive funding for the modernisation and expansion of medical services.

The funding for the development of medical infrastructure will include: the equipment and modernisation of 56 family medicine offices and school offices; creation of a network of 36 mobile units for vaccine distribution; development of 23 palliative care units; establishment and equipping of 19 mental health centers; operationalisation of 12 regional genetics and expertise centres for rare diseases.

The financing will also target: modernisation of 9 blood transfusion centres; creation of five specialized units for critically ill patients with acute cerebrovascular pathology; establishment of two units for the treatment of major burns and a proton therapy centre.

According to MIPE, a special emphasis is placed on prevention and human resources development: 672,000 people will benefit from screening programmes; 300 information and awareness campaigns will be carried out.

In addition, over 30,000 medical professionals will benefit from training programmes.

'All these investments ensure the involvement of all relevant actors to respond to health needs at regional and local level, and the implementation of these projects will be closely monitored to ensure the achievement of objectives and the maximization of the impact of European investments in the Romanian health system,' the press release reads. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Cristian Anghelache, EN - writing by: Cristina Zaharia)