Is Romania preparing for war?

Politico writes today that the states on NATO's Eastern European flank, including Romania, are preparing their hospitals for war. But are hospitals in Romania minimally prepared?

In an increasingly tense Europe, with NATO’s eastern flank in the strategic focus, Romania finds itself in the vulnerable border posture. Amid the war in Ukraine and a possible extension of the conflict, the Romanian authorities have expressed, as early as 2024, through director of the Department for Emergency Situations (DSU) Raed Arafat, the intention to prepare the health system for a possible wave of wounded – military or civilians. But what does this “preparation” mean, concretely? And how realistic are these measures in the context of a chronically underfunded health care system, devoid of modern hospitals and sufficient staff?

Politico published today a material about the preparations of the states on the eastern border of Europe to deal with a military conflict. It’s just that there is no concrete data about Romania. While other states in the region are expanding their medical infrastructure and organising simulations in case of war, Romania seems to be limited to insufficiently materialized declarations and projects.

According to official sources, starting with 2024, the Romanian authorities allegedly initiated a plan for emergency preparedness, which targets civilian hospitals. Approximately 96.5 million euros, European money, were prepared for chemical, biological or radiological detection and monitoring of chemical, biological or radiological risks. Raed Arafat, head of the DSU, said last February that civilian hospitals were preparing to be able to take in the wounded in the absence of a developed military infrastructure.

However, more than a year after these announcements, a clear assessment of progress is lacking. No detailed public report shows how much the procurements have been completed, how many hospitals are involved, what scenarios have been practiced and how coordination with NATO and EU structures is ensured. in many hospitals in the country, especially in the county and municipal ones, the infrastructure remains precarious. There are lacking modern medical circuits, operating rooms equipped for major emergencies, as well as triage spaces for a large influx of injured.

Amid these health security concerns, Romania is facing a paradox that is hard to ignore: although 27 new hospitals were initially promised through PNRR, in reality only one hospital is in the advanced phase of construction. The others remained on paper, victims of bureaucracy, failed auctions or administrative blockages. This reality brings into question not only systemic incompetence, but also major risks in the event of conflict. How can Romania receive a massive influx of wounded when it cannot build its own hospitals in times of peace?

Doctors and hospital managers talk, off the record, about the lack of communication between the Ministry of Health and the defense structures, but also about the lack of clear protocols. Experts point out that Romania is part of a wider defense system – that of NATO. However, the national contribution is essential. The logistical training of hospitals, staff training, evacuation plans and coordination with the military system are national responsibilities. And here, Romania seems to have stayed behind.

The €96.5 million project mentioned above is important, but insufficient. It does not cover the endowment of hospitals with modern equipment for emergency surgery, does not solve the chronic lack of qualified personnel, nor does it modernize the infrastructure built in the 70’s and 80’s. Another factor of vulnerability is the lack of staff. The exodus of doctors and nurses to Western Europe continues. In the event of war, the pressure on the Romanian medical system would be huge, and the lack of qualified personnel would quickly collapse.

Moreover, there is no public strategy for recruiting and accelerated training of medical staff for crisis situations. In other countries, medical volunteer registers were created, simulations were organized with the participation of medical students and rapid mobilization agreements were signed. In Romania, such initiatives are almost completely lacking.

Conclusion: we are unprepared. Romanian politicians love to make statements, promises, but never put any of it into practice. Romania prepares for war by letting its health system crumble. The 96.5 million EURs allocated for this projects have likely been embezzled by the hospital managers for their holiday funds.

https://t.me/Wallachian_Gazette

X (Twitter): @WallachianGaz