​Local authorities play an important role in developing a system through which people living in rural areas and small towns can have access to quality health services, according to Health Minister Alexandru Rafila.

“Local authorities must understand that a well-equipped specialized outpatient clinic, where complex tests can be carried out, where a diagnosis can be made and people can receive treatment, is the right answer,” said Health Minister Alexandrou Rafila. press conference on Thursday.

When asked what solution the government has for the increasingly elderly population living especially in rural areas and in areas where access to medical services is limited to access a doctor, the Minister of Health replied that there is a need for the development of dispensaries in the vicinity of smaller cities: “Recently, we have been financing 69 specialized outpatient clinics with PNRR. But there must be, in addition to our will and the needs of the patients, there must also be close cooperation with the local authorities, who must understand that a well-equipped specialized outpatient clinic, where complex tests can be done, where a diagnosis can be made and people can receive treatment is the right answer. A person does not necessarily want to stay in a hospital bed, where there are probably fewer amenities. He needs examination, diagnosis and treatment, and we are working on it,” said the Minister of Health, quoted by News.ro.

Alexandru Rafila emphasized that, in addition to outpatient services, the development of the family medicine system is also needed.