The Romanian healthcare system is marked by a clear division between the public and private sectors. While the public health system is fundamental to ensuring universal access to health care, providing subsidized or even free services to the entire population, it often faces significant challenges related to financing, infrastructure and human resources. On the other hand, the private sector, although less affordable, promises higher quality health services, access to modern diagnostic and treatment equipment and a more personalized patient-doctor relationship.

1. Infrastructure conditions and available equipment

Infrastructure plays a crucial role in the quality of healthcare. Public hospitals in Romania are often under-funded, which is reflected in old buildings and outdated equipment. Patients are often treated in poor conditions, which can negatively affect medical outcomes and the overall experience.

In contrast, private hospitals and clinics are constantly investing in modernizing equipment and maintaining high standards of hygiene and comfort. These medical facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology that allows for faster diagnosis and more effective treatments, providing patients with a level of care that cannot always be provided in the public sector.

2. Access to doctors and waiting times

One of the main disadvantages of the public system is the long waiting time for consultations and interventions. In many cases, patients have to wait weeks or even months to be seen by a specialist, which can delay necessary treatment.

The private system, on the other hand, offers fast access to consultations, and patients can see a specialist in just a few days or even the same day. This speed of service delivery is made possible by better managed resources and a lower volume of patients per doctor.

3. Quality of the doctor-patient relationship

The interaction between doctor and patient is a key factor in the perception of quality of care. In the public sector, physicians are often overworked and do not have enough time to communicate effectively with patients, which can lead to a less satisfactory patient experience.

In the private sector, patients benefit from more attention and a closer relationship with doctors. Medical staff in private clinics can provide detailed explanations and answer patients' questions, which contributes to a more positive experience and more personalized care.

4. Treatment costs and affordability

Affordability is a key aspect of the public health system, where the majority of services are covered by the state, allowing widespread access to health care. However, financial limitations of the public system can negatively affect the quality of care.

Private services, although of higher quality, are often expensive. These high costs limit access to the private system to patients who can afford to pay out-of-pocket or have private health insurance. This creates a significant gap between those who can benefit from high quality care and those who rely solely on the public system.

5. Patient satisfaction

Patients who choose private services are usually more satisfied because of the higher quality of care, shorter waiting times and personalized attention. In the public sector, patient satisfaction is more variable, influenced by factors such as waiting times, hospital conditions and interaction with medical staff.

In conclusion, the private medical system is often superior to the public system for a number of reasons. However, we should be aware that there can be exceptions. There may be not a few cases where we encounter professional and empathetic doctors and top-notch equipment, even in the public health system, and there may also be cases where the private health system disappoints us in many ways, despite the high costs we have to pay.