Romanian Healthcare System Reforms Along Spanish Lines to Improve Elderly Care

Romania's healthcare system is preparing for major reforms that will have a significant impact on elderly care and older people's access to quality medical services. Health Minister Alexandru Rogobete held official meetings in Madrid with his Spanish counterpart to study and adapt successful European models to Romania's own circumstances.

One of the key concerns discussed was the reorganisation of the medical on-call system — an essential reform for improving continuous medical care, and particularly important for the elderly population, who frequently require emergency intervention. The proposed new structure introduces 12-hour shifts and three distinct on-call types: home-based, monitoring, and emergency — a system aligned with European standards that promises better medical coverage for seniors.

The expansion of specialist outpatient services and the development of community medical centres represent another strategic direction with a direct impact on older people. These measures will make it easier for elderly patients to access specialist medical services closer to home, reducing the need for long and costly journeys to major urban centres.

Strengthening the role of the family doctor in senior care

The reform also aims to strengthen the role of the family doctor within community centres — a crucial aspect of continuously monitoring the health of older people. Family doctors will take a more active role in managing age-related chronic conditions, ensuring preventive care and better control of degenerative illnesses.

A particularly important element of the discussions focused on developing the mental health services network, an area in which seniors represent a vulnerable group. Collaboration with Spanish specialists will support the implementation of the Mental Health Action Plan 2024–2029, with a focus on reorganising community-level services and early intervention for psychiatric conditions specific to older people.

Prevention and tackling addiction represent another priority addressed during the meetings, with emphasis on developing Romania's first National Strategy for Combating Addiction. This initiative will include measures specifically targeting the prevention and treatment of dependencies in older people — a growing phenomenon that requires specialised approaches sensitive to the particular characteristics of this age group.

The exchange of experience with the Spanish healthcare system promises to accelerate the implementation of reforms in Romania, with direct benefits for elderly care. Models and strategies that have been validated in Spain will be adapted to local conditions, and Spanish specialists will participate in Romanian working groups to ensure the effective implementation of the new health policies.