Inspections in public hospital outpatient clinics, following the Health Minister's own difficulties in securing an appointment

Health Minister Alexandru Rogobete has ordered extensive inspections of the specialized outpatient clinics within public hospitals-to be carried out by the Ministry's Control Body-after personally encountering the difficulties patients face when trying to book an appointment for neurology. The official announced that the inspection will cover appointment scheduling, staff attendance records, and the overall organization of operations within these medical units. In a Facebook post, the Minister recounted calling several public hospitals across the country to try and secure a neurology appointment for "my grandmother." He took this action after receiving numerous complaints from patients who reported being unable to reach the medical facilities or being repeatedly told that no slots were available.

• Impossible appointments and referrals to private clinics

According to Alexandru Rogobete, the outcomes of these test calls varied. At some hospitals, staff responded to the requests, and appointments were secured within a reasonable timeframe. At other facilities, however, the Minister encountered situations where booking an appointment proved impossible, or where callers were directed to clinics outside the hospital system. "In other hospitals, however, I encountered situations that are hard to accept: impossible appointments and even recommendations to seek care at a clinic outside the hospital," the Minister stated. He believes that patients should not have to navigate a complicated administrative process to see a medical specialist-being shuffled between phone numbers, waiting lists, and explanations about a lack of available slots.

• Control body to verify appointment records and staff attendance logs

The checks ordered by the Minister focus on how specialized outpatient clinics are organized and operated, including the management of appointment records and the attendance logs of medical staff. The Minister warned that managers of healthcare facilities are responsible for organizing medical services in a way that ensures patients can actually receive consultations. Furthermore, he announced that he will continue to personally oversee the operations of these outpatient clinics.

• Outpatient clinics: A priority for the Ministry of Health

According to the Minister, the development of specialized outpatient clinics is a key priority for the Ministry of Health. These units allow for the assessment and monitoring of patients on an outpatient basis and can help reduce the strain on inpatient hospital care-provided that services are well-organized and accessible. Alexandru Rogobete stated that if any irregularities are discovered, the Ministry will intervene to rectify the situation.

"Patients have a right to accessible medical services, and managers have an obligation to organize these services so that they function effectively," the Minister affirmed.