ISSN 2756-3820
International Journal of Medical Sociology and Anthropology ISSN 2756-3820 Vol. 13 (2), pp. 001-012, February, 2024. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Perceptions of key figures on the capacity of the Romanian healthcare system to address population needs
Constanța MIHĂESCU-PINȚIA1,2, Rodica PAMFILIE2, Aurelia ȘTEFĂNESCU3*, Narcis COPCA4 and Marian Vladimir CONSTANTINESCU5
1National School of Public Health, Management and Professional Development, 31 Vaselor Street, Sector 2, 021254 Bucharest, Romania.
2Faculty of Commerce, Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies, Romania.
3Faculty of Accounting and Management Information Systems, Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies, Romania.
4"St.Maria" Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania.
5Faculty of Dentistry, "Carol Davila" Medical University, Romania.
Accepted 4 November, 2023
Abstract
Difficulties of Romanian healthcare system generated by “Semasko inheritance”, a decision making process not properly substantiated, inadequate administration of resources, continuous change of regulations, health reform discontinuity, poor endowment of many health facilities and migration of medical personnel, within the low economic development in comparison with EU and country potential, have a significant impact on health services utilization and consequently, on population health status. Although social health insurance fund increased 10 times during 1999 to 2008, its positive effects on health system and health status can hardly be noticed. Within this context, our research questionnaire-based, aims to investigate the opinion of key persons from all relevant actors, regarding Romanian system capacity to respond to healthcare needs of population. Although population perception on healthcare has been studied many times in Romania, there was a lack of research among key professionals in order to produce skilful opinions and competent recommendations. This study started with a synthesis of main approaches and findings published on this subject. Most respondents reasoned the limited responsiveness of Romanian healthcare system to specific needs by: poor achievement of system functions, relative adequacy of reforms to necessities, under-financing, excessive politicization, poor management, inefficient use of resources, improper health infrastructure, medical personnel dissatisfaction, etc. Respondents identified areas for priority action and proposed alternative solutions to currents problems, shaping a new managerial model for the health system. We think that grading the Romanian healthcare system with a six in average by key respondents, confirms the discrepancy in structure and quality between the health services demand and supply, representing a useful tool for redefinition of reforms according to real needs and expectations.
Key words: Healthcare system, responsiveness, healthcare needs, health services supply, Romania, key persons.