Forbes Romania invited the Romanian business community to answer the most important questions of the moment in the #reinventarearomaniei editorial project.
The opportunity for Romania
Harris Palaondas: At the country level, there is an opportunity to access funding for the development and modernization of the medical system. If they are used properly and the necessary measures are implemented, we can speak of a modern medical infrastructure (spaces and equipment), at the 2020 standard. In the current context, which has brought multiple challenges for medical systems, telemedicine has been regulated, finally, giving patients a new way to access medical services.
In terms of the corporate environment, new ways of doing business have been adopted (eg working from home), which in most cases have been implemented overnight, but have proven to be more productive than anyone would have thought. before the pandemic. The cost reductions generated by remote work will be used to optimize existing workspaces, in terms of distance and all safety conditions. Another opportunity, at corporate level, is that, during this period, we looked for new ways of working, thus optimizing our activity and making, at the same time, some savings, which will be used later as investments to keep “the engines running “.
Areas that need to be reformed
Harris Palaondas: Certainly one of them is the medical system. Infrastructure modernization (both public and private) is needed to meet such challenges. If it is done properly, it will have as collateral benefits the retention of medical staff who leave or are thinking of leaving Romania now, but also the possibility to treat Romanian patients in the country, offering them the same services and conditions as other EU countries. Overall, a well-executed strategy could generate huge savings for Romania’s budget.
Urgent recovery measures
Harris Palaondas: First, investing in infrastructure and attracting European funds. Secondly, providing real support to the entrepreneurial ecosystem, through a reduced bureaucracy, a clear and stable legal framework, but also by stimulating private investment in the country.
The come-back
Harris Palaondas: This depends on government regulations and restrictions. For example, due to restrictions on the treatment of non-Covid patients for more than two months, many patients are affected by the lack of medical care during this period. In the coming months, most likely, there will be complications for them. We advocate for the rights of these patients, given that they represent a large group of people suffering from a multitude of ailments. When these restrictions are lifted, the industry will begin to recover.
Another aspect to consider for the return of the industry is the support of the private healthcare market, such as the reimbursement of treatments and interventions by private operators.
An intelligent strategy focused on the entire “patient journey”, which will stimulate innovation and quality, will contribute to the significant optimization of the healthcare budget for the benefit of all Romanians. In addition, the adoption of innovative technologies should be accelerated, thus ensuring the benefit and safety of patients as well as doctors.
Source: Forbes Romania