Romanian Health Minister Resigns Amid Pandemic Catastrophe

Multiple disturbing anonymous testimonies and videos from hospital personnel paint an almost desperate situation: doctors and nurses are forced to interact with sick patients without any protective equipment, as the materials they need are either withheld by management or non-existent. The same sources report that only patients with visible symptoms of the illness are being tested, potentially exposing many others to asymptomatic but infected persons.

Romania's very own 'Lombardy':

Photo: EPA-EFE/LUCA ZENNARO

The grim picture of the Romanian medical system is best outlined by the extreme reaction of the medical corps. Over 50 doctors have resigned, more than 100 from one hospital have filed for sick leave and almost 100 others have submitted retirement papers. Two major hospitals are closed under quarantine and almost 10 others have wards completely closed for sterilization following infestation.

These figures may not seem dramatic at first glance, given that Romania has over 40,000 doctors, but what is worrying that most of them are epidemiologists and infection specialists, which is what the system needs most right now. In the western town of Arad, the entire infectious disease ward resigned in one day - all six doctors and support staff.

While some call these reactions cowardly, doctors say it is the only way to protest over the way they are forced to handle the epidemic either with no protection, or with improvised gear, such as trash bags duct-taped over their feet.

Threatened with criminal records by superiors, they appear unafraid of the charges, or of the symptoms of COVID-19, but more of the prospect of being treated in the same understaffed, underequipped, undersupplied and mismanaged hospitals...