Romania is a republic on the lower Danube River in southeastern Europe. It is bordered by Ukraine on the north, Moldova on the northeast, Hungary and Serbia on the west, Bulgaria on the south, and the Black sea on the east. The name Romania was given to the area in 1862, following the 1859 unification of the principalities of Moldavia and Walachia. Famed for its legends like those of Transylvania, Romania has a strong folk tradition and rich cultural history. Both of these features make it attractive to Europeans. While health care in Romania is free for residents, the facilities are sometimes overcrowded which can lead to a delay at times. However, the present government is increasing its investment into the medical infrastructure. Part of this investment has included the import of first class equipment and assistance in setting-up a quality medical structure.
Bucharest is the capital and largest city. It is also the foremost industrial center of Romania. It is famed for its beautiful galleries and museums. It also boasts of many parks and open spaces and a large stadium for sporting events. Bucharest was relatively unexplored by tourists until after the fall of Communism. Today it has been steadily climbing the ranks of international tourism to become a popular vacation spot in Europe. Bucharest is a fashionable city but retains its old world charm. It has earned the epithet, the Paris of the Balkans. The best healthcare facilities in all of Romania are in Bucharest.
Some hospitals have state-of-the-art labs and other facilities supplied with top-notch equipment. The staff and doctors are highly qualified professionals and take good care of their patients. The consultation sessions and tests are conducted in such a manner that the patient feels comfortable. The language may be a barrier for visitors in many hospitals. However, in some locations there are translators available for communication in English and German. Additionally, there has been an increase in the number of English-speaking staff as a whole.
Most pharmacies in Bucharest stay open round the clock and can provide customer with various over the counter medications without much trouble. In fact the pharmacists often suggest medicines for minor troubles. The Bucharest hospitals are amply supplied with beds. Interns and junior doctors perform rounds on regular basis. The best known hospitals in Bucharest are the Floresaca Hospital, Euroclinic and the Coltea Hospital along with Bucharest University Hospital and Bio Medica International.
For Emergencies, you will most likely go to Spitalul de Urgenta on Calea Floreasca no 8, telephone 599-23-00. This is the first hospital listed on the US Embassy in Bucharest. This centrally located hospital is open 24 hours a day for any emergency that may arise. Although they have a website, it is not available in English. You may want to make sure that you have a translator with you when you go.
Bio-Medica International is under US management. You will find that their website can be viewed in Romanian, German and English. They are located at Floresasca Street, number 111-113. They are a full service medical center.
Coltea Hospital is the oldest hospital in Bucharest. It dates back to 1704 and is one of the icons in Romania. It has a church attached to its premise. In 1999 they began the modernization process. They specialize in cardiology, hematology and oncology as well as many other areas. Their website is in Romanian only and there is no guarantee of finding English-speaking doctors.
EuroClinic was founded in 2005. This is a seven floor hospital with 3 operating theaters and has been built to European specifications. They offer maternity, surgical and laboratory facilities for both children and adults.
