Romania's Letter Of Intent To IMF No Longer Includes Shutdown Of Inefficient Hospitals

The previous version of the letter of intent, distributed to members of Parliament two weeks ago, said the Government would not renew the licenses of at least 150 of the country's most inefficient hospitals until the end of the year.

The measure was not included on the document approved by the Government Wednesday, and only mentions that the total number of hospital beds needs to be cut by 9,200.

A new paragraph was introduced, according to which the Health Ministry and the National Health Insurance Fund will maintain a functioning healthcare system, within the limits of the 2010 budget.

After the previous version was distributed in Parliament two weeks ago, Health Minister Cseke Attila said he had not demanded that any particular number of hospitals be shut down. Cseke added that the hospitals have been divided into categories and will be rendered more efficient through a World Bank program.

Cseke said now is not a good time for hospital shutdowns and staff layoffs.

The minister added he has not discussed license annulments for inefficient hospitals with the World Bank.

Romania's Health Ministry announced on April 16 that 373 hospitals will be placed under the administration of local authorities, and 62 will remain under Ministry management.

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