Society has the 'duty' to support doctors and specialists in a context in which scientific areas are being affected by conspiracy theories, Mirabela Gradinaru, life partner of President Nicusor Dan, said on Wednesday.

She delivered a speech at the 'National Priority for Prevention - Family medicine at the heart of health policies and health system resilience' debate, hosted at the Cotroceni Palace.

'We are living in a period when information spreads rapidly, but not always accurately. Unfortunately, health has become one of the areas most affected by conspiracy theories, pseudo-experts and recommendations lacking a scientific basis. I believe we have a duty to support the voice of doctors more firmly, followed by that of specialists. We need more health education and greater trust in science,' Mirabela Gradinaru said.

In this regard, she said she had always had respect for doctors.

'I believe there are few professions that entail so much responsibility, so much empathy and such power to change lives. And beyond the extraordinary professional training that medicine requires, there is also a human dimension that we, as patients, feel very strongly, namely trust. When our health or that of our loved ones is put to the test, doctors are the ones we turn to with hope, and I have done so many times myself,' she said.

According to Mirabela Gradinaru, family medicine is about health, but also about care, continuity and the bond between generations.

'As a mother, I know very well how important the role of the family doctor is. Many times, when my children have a symptom that worries me or I need to better understand a treatment, the first phone call I make is to our family doctor,' she said.

In her view, the family doctor is not just the person who keeps medical records or completes referrals.

'The family doctor knows our medical history, monitors our progress and gives us the reassurance that someone is looking at our health as a whole. Perhaps sometimes we take this presence for granted. Perhaps we should say more often that the family doctor is one of the most important links in our healthcare system,' Mirabela Gradinaru added.

She also highlighted that the family doctor is on the front line of prevention, and prevention is 'one of the smartest investments a society can make.'

'If we want a healthier population, lower costs for treating diseases and a better quality of life, then we must start by putting prevention at the heart of public policies,' Gradinaru added.

She said family doctors know the communities and families and can identify risks related to cardiovascular, oncological or metabolic diseases at an early stage.

Thus, prevention should no longer be seen merely as an option, but as 'a strategic priority and a moral responsibility.'

'When we invest in prevention, we invest in the health of our children, we invest in giving our parents and grandparents the chance to enjoy more years of health and independence, we invest in the future of this country,' Mirabela Gradinaru added.

Every successful vaccination campaign, every person who understands the importance of regular check-ups and every child protected through prevention represents 'a victory for the entire society,' she also said.

Mirabela Gradinaru also called for measures to encourage young doctors to remain in Romania.

'They need not only appreciation, but also real conditions to build a career here, and it is not enough to train valuable professionals if we do not give them real reasons to stay and put their skills at the service of the communities they belong to,' she pointed out.

The debate at the Cotroceni Palace brought together dozens of experts in the medicine area. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Oana Ghita; EN - writing by: Rodica State)