Online appointments with doctors could become mandatory. What impact will this have for seniors?

Mandatory Online GP Appointments from 2026

A bill adopted by the Senate stipulates that all hospitals and medical practices in Romania will be required to implement an electronic appointments system by the final months of 2026. The change affects all patients across the country, including elderly people, who are among the most frequent users of healthcare services.

What is the e-SănătateaMea portal?

The legislative initiative introduces the national portal e-SănătateaMea, a single digital platform where every Romanian citizen will be able to manage their medical appointments, prescriptions, and their entire history of consultations and treatments online. Patient medical information will thus be centralised and accessible in one place, in digital format.

Potential benefits for older people

For seniors, such a platform could bring significant advantages: the elimination of physical queues, quick access to a complete medical history, and the ability for relatives or carers to manage appointments on behalf of the elderly person. Doctors treating patients with chronic conditions — common in later life, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or dementia — could benefit from faster access to relevant patient data.

Challenges for people without access to technology

Nevertheless, the digitalisation of appointments raises questions regarding accessibility for older people who are not familiar with the internet or do not own digital devices. It is essential that the authorities provide alternative solutions for those who are unable to use the online platform, so as not to create additional barriers to accessing medical care.

It remains to be seen how the bill will be implemented in practice and what support measures will be offered to vulnerable groups, including seniors, during the transition to the digital healthcare system.