For the time being, Ministry of Health statistics indicate that nine private hospitals have been authorized in Romania, with the best-known Euroclinic, the first private hospital in Bucharest, and the 100-bed Medlife clinic, the largest private hospital operating at present.
“Investments in private hospitals, apart from the fact that these give private operators the opportunity of offering integrated services, independent of the public system, also allow employed physicians to carry out the kind of professional activity he wishes,” said Marina Otelea, General Manager of Medicover. Many physicians prefer to collaborate with the private sector, and remain in the state hospital environment, where they believe they can perfect themselves professionally and obtain the desired professional status.
In spite of the fact that investments in hospitals are high and break even slowly, over some ten years, the high rhythm of market growth and the need to attract physicians justifies investor interest. According to statistics, in Bucharest alone, some 300,000 persons are willing to pay a monthly €50-100 for private medical care.
“A major investment will intensify the pressure on human resources. Such investments could reverse the trend of a migration flux to the west,” said Sergiu Negut, Executive Director of Unirea Medical Center.
