The Romanian College of Physicians calls upon all political decision-makers, regardless of party affiliation, to treat healthcare as a strategic priority for the Romanian state and urges the authorities to develop a human resources policy based on genuine consultation.

'The healthcare system is currently going through another period of turmoil—partly linked to the salary legislation—which must be approached with responsibility, balance, and strategic thinking regarding the future of Romanian healthcare and patient access to medical services within the public system. The Executive Bureau of the Romanian College of Physicians believes that healthcare cannot be analyzed solely through the lens of immediate budgetary constraints. Healthcare policies must be built upon a medium- and long-term vision that ensures the stability and efficiency of the medical system, the retention and development of the workforce, the provision of adequate infrastructure, and the continuous improvement of patient access to quality medical services,' states a press release sent to AGERPRES on Wednesday by the College of Physicians.

According to the cited source, people are at the heart of any healthcare system, and doctors and all healthcare professionals represent the system's most important resource.

'Without a coherent public policy on motivating and retaining human resources, no reform and no investment in infrastructure or technology will fully achieve its objectives,' stated Prof. Catalina Poiana, MD, PhD, President of the Romanian College of Physicians.

An efficient and high-performing healthcare system must prioritize public policies regarding medical personnel that focus on: constant investment in human resources, retention policies, predictable working conditions, professional development, and recognition of the value of healthcare professions, quote states.

The competition to attract doctors and other professionals in the field is a reality at both European and international levels today, and Romania cannot afford to remain outside this competition, the cited source indicates.

'The competitiveness of a healthcare system depends not only on salaries but also on working conditions, the infrastructure in which operations take place, and professional development opportunities, as well as on how physicians are perceived by society. I fully agree that the healthcare system needs to be made more efficient and that physicians must be true professionals; however, it is equally important for the system to respect physicians by providing appropriate remuneration and ensuring the necessary conditions for them to work safely and for the benefit of their patients,' emphasized Catalina Poiana.

CMR representatives say they understand the economic difficulties and the responsibility of maintaining budgetary balance.

'At the same time, we believe that health-related decisions must be grounded in policies that anticipate medium- and long-term effects. Any measure affecting the stability of the healthcare workforce must also be evaluated based on its impact on patient access to medical services and the system's capacity to address the population's health challenges,' the statement notes.

The Romanian College of Physicians advocates for institutional dialogue as the only way to identify sustainable solutions for the development of the Romanian healthcare system.

'Dialogue entails mutual listening, respect, and a willingness on the part of all stakeholders to shape public policies that serve the general interest. We call upon all political decision-makers—regardless of party affiliation—to treat healthcare as a strategic priority for the Romanian state and to develop a human resources policy based on genuine consultation with us, as representatives of physicians, alongside other professional bodies; this strategy should be transparent to society as a whole, given that access to medical services affects every citizen. Trust in a healthcare system is built through people—or, first and foremost, through the professionals who sustain it day in and day out. Therefore, protecting, motivating, and developing the healthcare workforce must be a key investment in ensuring a functional healthcare system,' the CMR further stated.

The Romanian College of Physicians remains an institutional partner open to dialogue and collaboration with all authorities and professional organizations, sharing a common goal: a stable, high-performing, and patient-oriented healthcare system.

'Every decision made today regarding healthcare will have an impact for years to come. Therefore, it is essential that these decisions be crafted responsibly, with respect for professionals and with constant regard for patients. Romania needs a national strategy for its healthcare workforce—one that exists beyond mere paper—because the future of the medical system depends, above all, on the people who work within it day in and day out,' the CMR statement further reads. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Georgiana Tanasescu;EN - writing by: Catalin Cristian Trandafir)