Romanian Health Min Encourages Church To Have Its Own Healthcare Network

“There are many medical facilities countrywide which need to be given a special status. In the locations owned by the Patriarchy, we could build hospitals or private doctors’ offices. The Health Ministry could cover part of the expenses, as the Patriarchy will have insufficient funds,” Nicolaescu said Thursday, after signing an agreement of spiritual and medical assistance between the Romanian Patriarchy and the Health Ministry.

Nicolaescu added that the legislation might be amended this fall.

The Romanian Orthodox Church Patriarchy currently owns 39 social-medical centers, said Patriarchy adviser Dorel Nicolae Motoc.