Romania has announced its National Digital Health Strategy 2026‑2030, aiming to replace paper records with electronic health files and integrate health data systems. The plan, unveiled by the Ministry of Health, sets out goals such as creating a national health information policy, operating a National Digital Health Unit, launching a unified integrated health information system (SIUI), and expanding the electronic platform for health insurance with features like e‑prescriptions and e‑referrals. Telemedicine is highlighted as a key cost‑saving measure. The strategy is still in public consultation and is expected to be implemented by 2030. Vasile Barbu, president of the National Association for Patient Protection, welcomed the initiative but warned that the 2030 deadline is too distant and that Romania’s health data systems remain fragmented and under‑connected. He cited past delays in replacing older systems such as the PIAS platform and the lack of centralized data that hinders policy making. The strategy aligns with the 7th component of Romania’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan, which calls for digitising 60 public health institutions, 200 public hospitals, and establishing a telemedicine framework.

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