Romanian Health Minister Cracks Down on “Double Practice” by Doctors
Romania’s Minister of Health, Alexandru Rogobete, has launched a nationwide investigation into doctors allegedly working simultaneously in both public and private healthcare facilities. The move comes after a physician at Elias Hospital in Bucharest was discovered filming himself preparing for a second surgery – at a private hospital – during his scheduled work hours at the state-run facility.
The Case That Sparked a National Review
The situation came to light when the doctor posted a video on a private hospital’s social media page, detailing his busy schedule. Minister Rogobete revealed that the doctor had claimed to be on leave from the public hospital, but this was not reflected in official records. The minister emphasized that the issue isn’t about one individual, but a systemic problem.
“It’s not about the doctor, it’s about the phenomenon itself,” Rogobete stated in a Digi24 interview. “I don’t want doctors to have to choose between public and private, but rather to respect their commitments to the public system.”
Financial Implications for Public Hospitals
The practice of doctors “double-dipping” – working in both sectors concurrently – has significant financial consequences for public hospitals. According to Minister Rogobete, when a doctor is unavailable during their scheduled hours at a public hospital due to private work, the hospital doesn’t receive funding from the National Health Insurance House (CNAS) for the services that should have been provided. This creates budgetary shortfalls and impacts the quality of care available to patients.
“If a doctor, during their hours at the state hospital for which they are paid, doesn’t actually offer medical services in the public hospital, that hospital doesn’t collect from the National Health Insurance House,” Rogobete explained.
Upcoming Inspections and Potential Legislative Changes
The Ministry of Health’s control body will begin inspections at Elias Hospital on February 22nd. Rogobete announced a broader national review to identify and address the extent of this practice. He also indicated a desire to strengthen legislation to prevent doctors from simultaneously holding full-time positions in both public and private sectors.
The minister clarified that doctors are permitted to work in the private sector after completing their obligations to the public system, but not concurrently during scheduled work hours.
The Challenge of Enforcement
Rogobete acknowledged that enforcement has been demanding, as doctors often use paperwork – such as improperly filed leave requests – to create the appearance of compliance. He stressed the importance of verifying the authenticity of such documentation.
“You can take leave only if the management of the health unit approves your leave,” Rogobete stated. “That leave was somewhere in the office, it wasn’t submitted to the human resources department, so it couldn’t have been approved.”
FAQ
Q: What is the main issue Minister Rogobete is addressing?
A: The practice of doctors working simultaneously in both public and private hospitals, potentially compromising patient care and public hospital funding.
Q: What action is the Ministry of Health taking?
A: Launching a national investigation, starting with inspections at Elias Hospital, and considering legislative changes.
Q: How does this affect public hospitals financially?
A: When doctors are unavailable for their public duties due to private work, the hospital loses funding from the National Health Insurance House.
Q: Is working in the private sector completely prohibited for public hospital doctors?
A: No, doctors can work in the private sector after fulfilling their obligations to the public system.
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