The Foundation For The Defense Of Citizens Against State Abuses (FACIAS) has asked the Ministry of Health to communicate its action plan to improve the health system. The request comes as a result of the fact that in the last 5 years the amount of contributions paid by Romanians for health insurance has doubled, but this is not reflected in the quality of services.
According to data analysed by FACIAS, the amount of contributions paid for health insurance has almost doubled in the last 5 years, reaching 42 billion RON budgeted for 2023, compared to 26 billion lei in 2018. We tried to see how this is reflected in the quality of services or at least what plans are in place with this budget contribution, so we asked the Ministry of Health to communicate the action plan to improve the health system. Instead of a concrete document, the Ministry of Health gave FACIAS a bureaucratic answer, a quote from an article of the law that talks about the entry into force of some normative acts, without any concrete link to our request. On 19 September, FACIAS returned to the Ministry of Health reiterating the need to implement and communicate this action plan to the public. Otherwise, FACIAS will sue the Ministry of Health. Romanians need to know how the state manages the resources allocated to their health.
Romanians' trust in the health system is at rock bottom
FACIAS asked citizens to express their opinion on Romania's healthcare system and their trust in it. The responses received reflect a stark reality: the moral bankruptcy of this health system. The proportion of negative responses received is overwhelming. To the question "What do Romanians get out of the 42 billion lei contributions?" over 90% of the answers are "nothing". Eleonora Lazăr says that all she has received so far is "contempt and humiliation. Most doctors also work for the state and have private practices. If you have a more serious condition, the state doctor sends you to a private doctor". Another answer captures very well the mismanagement of the funds received: "you are refused for certain investigations, either they don't have money or there is no doctor". There are 42 billion RON in contributions, but people are told there is no money for investigations. Revolting!
At a time when Romanians' financial resources are more stretched than ever, every penny must be spent responsibly and be reflected in an increased quality of life. FACIAS is committed to defending citizens' interests and ensuring that their money is used properly and efficiently.