Romanians must have a guaranteed access to health services and a quality medical service through adequate funding and efficient management of resources in this area, President Klaus Iohannis stated at the event debating the topic "Patient - Center of the Health System" held at the Cotroceni Palace, Agerpres reports.
"Undoubtedly, the health system has many problems - medical professionals leaving abroad, the lack of sanitary facilities and infrastructure, bad management. All these are reflected directly on the patient. I think it is our duty to restore citizens' confidence in the national health system by guaranteeing real access to the health services they need and to quality care through adequate funding and efficient management of resources in the field, by restoring the professional dignity to the medical staff and halt the exodus of doctors, " Iohannis said.
He stressed that no problem in the health system can be solved in the absence of the awareness that the patient is part of the solutions envisaged.
"Understanding this aspect is particularly important, poorly assimilated by decision makers in the field and, I dare say, even likely to change the whole way we think about the system. That means, I think, to put the patient in the center of the system, as a binder between the actors in this system: GPs, hospital doctor, home health insurance, pharmacists, healthcare regulators, "the head of state said.
Iohannis indicated that he wished for a health system that proves respect for the patient’s needs and values, providing accurate and complete information is essential for patients to make their own decisions about their health.
"Such a system must allow the patient involvement in health policies and to ensure access to suitable, safe and quality service ", added the president.
He pointed out that a real reform of the health system cannot be made without consulting the patient.
"Unfortunately, when I compare with the rest of the European states, Romanians are dissatisfied with the health system in our country. The public authorities in the field have developed over the years, strategies and plans or tried to take measures aimed at improving the system . Unfortunately, as in other areas, we do not lack theories and plans, but the connection to reality, consistency in their application and in their carrying out.
A real reform of the system cannot be implemented ignoring patients or purely based on a formal consultation with patient organizations. Rather, it must start from the patient, from their needs and expectations in a transparent manner, " Iohannis said.
The event at the Presidential Palace was attended by the Health Minister, Patriciu Achimaș-Cadariu, by the President of the Alliance of Romania Chronic Patients, Cezar Irimia, by the president of the Alliance for Romania, Cristian Hodoboc.