Minister of Health Announces Reforms to the Mental Health System for Seniors

Romania's mental health system is preparing for major changes after Health Minister Alexandru Rogobete studied the Spanish model of psychiatric care. A visit to the Mental Health Centre in Madrid highlighted the urgent need to modernise services for elderly patients with mental health conditions.

The Spanish model places emphasis on early intervention and outpatient treatment — aspects that are essential for the care of older people living with dementia, depression, or other mental health disorders. This approach allows elderly patients to receive specialist care without having to remain hospitalised for extended periods, thereby preserving their autonomy and quality of life.

Personalised treatment for the needs of older patients

The Madrid centre implements occupational therapies and personalised treatments specifically tailored to the needs of elderly patients. This multidisciplinary approach enables more effective management of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, depression and anxiety — problems that are common among the senior population.

The Romanian minister underlined the importance of genuine collaboration between specialists across various fields, a crucial factor in the complex care of elderly patients. Integrating medical, social and rehabilitation services into a single coherent programme can significantly improve therapeutic outcomes for older people.

Simplifying access to services for older people

One of the most valued aspects of the Spanish system is its straightforward patient pathway: from the GP to specialist outpatient services, with hospitalisation reserved only for serious cases. For older people, who frequently struggle to navigate a complex medical system, this approach represents a substantial improvement.

Rogobete criticised the current tendency to produce theoretical strategies with no practical application, stressing that older people need functional, accessible services — not complicated bureaucratic procedures that discourage them from seeking specialist medical help.

Concrete plans for Romania

The minister expressed a firm intention to develop similar centres across Romania, adapted to the specific needs of the Romanian elderly population. These centres will focus on prevention, early diagnosis and rapid intervention in cases of mental health problems among older people.

The announced reforms include simplifying mental health legislation and removing the administrative barriers that prevent elderly patients from accessing specialist services. The aim is to create a system that responds swiftly and effectively to the real needs of senior patients, rather than to bureaucratic procedures.