In Bucharest's public hospitals, some of the most shocking cases of medical malpractice have had a significant impact on the public's perception of the health system. These serious incidents have exposed the system's vulnerabilities and structural weaknesses, highlighting the risks to which patients are exposed in institutions that are supposed to provide them with safety and care.

Here are the most publicized cases of malpractice in Bucharest hospitals over the last two decades:

1. The Giulești case: Maternity Hospital Fire (2010)

In August 2010, the Giulești Maternity Hospital was the scene of a tragic incident that deeply marked public opinion. A fire in a neonatal intensive care unit resulted in the death of six newborn babies and serious injuries to five others. The investigation revealed numerous shortcomings in the observance of safety rules and emergency procedures, leading to allegations of gross negligence against medical staff. This case has highlighted systemic problems in public hospitals and the urgent need to improve safety standards.

2. Colectiv: poor management of victims (2015)

The tragedy at Colectiv in October 2015 had a devastating impact not only from the perspective of the event itself, but also because of the way victims were managed in Bucharest's public hospitals. The fire claimed the lives of 65 people and many of the survivors suffered severe burns. Criticism focused on the quality of medical care provided in the immediate aftermath of the incident, including lack of adequate equipment, nosocomial infections contracted in hospitals and delayed transfer of patients to medical facilities abroad. This case highlighted the major shortcomings of the public health system, especially in crisis situations.

3. Hexi Pharma case: diluted disinfectants in public hospitals (2016)

In 2016, a major scandal involving the supply of diluted disinfectants by the company Hexi Pharma was revealed, affecting public hospitals across the country, including those in Bucharest. The use of these ineffective disinfectants led to the spread of nosocomial infections, worsening the health of many patients and causing the death of some of them. The scandal exposed critical shortcomings in the oversight of public procurement and highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in the health system.

5. Filantropia case: nosocomial infections and lack of preventive measures (2019)

Filantropia Hospital in Bucharest recorded an increased number of nosocomial infections in 2019, which seriously affected the health of several newborns and mothers. The investigation of this case revealed that preventive measures were not properly implemented and hygiene protocols were not followed, leading to deaths and serious complications. This incident raised serious questions about management and supervision in public hospitals, highlighting the need to improve infection control.

The malpractice cases reflect the major challenges facing the public health system in Bucharest. From a lack of adequate resources and serious medical errors, to deficiencies in safety and hygiene standards, these incidents underline the need for profound reform in the healthcare system. It is essential that the authorities adopt concrete measures to prevent a repetition of these tragedies, by improving infrastructure, continuous training of medical staff and ensuring full transparency in hospital management. Only through a firm commitment to quality and safety can Bucharest's public hospitals regain the trust of patients and provide medical care to the expected standards.