The minister said the measure will not entail layoffs in the healthcare system, and added reorganizing hospitals is one of the ministry’s priorities for 2011.
In the April 1, 2011-December 31, 2013 interval, the Health Ministry and the Labor Ministry will carry out a program meant to expand the network of nursing homes. The program will have a budget of 230 million lei (EUR1=RON4.2577), of which RON65 million will be allotted this year.
The 71 units to be reorganized will house about 4,800 senior citizens. Some of these healthcare facilities might also be reorganized as permanent assistance units.
According to Labor Ministry data, Romania has only 25 nursing homes, 51 units for people with disabilities and 53 other facilities financed by NGOs.
Local authorities must start the process reorganizing healthcare facilities as nursing homes by March 30.
The decision to reorganize hospitals was taken after an evaluation carried out by the Health Ministry alongside public health departments and local authorities.