Judith Humphries brings news of positive changes in some aspects of health services for children in a country that has a troubled history

Romania’s troubled history is well known. The attention of the Western world was drawn to the plight of Romania’s children in 1989, following the overthrow of the communist leader, Nicolae Ceausescu. Almost 15 years later, the country is still overcoming his legacy. Healthcare remains a low priority for the government, with hospitals having limited funding and equipment. 15 per cent of government expenditure is on healthcare, which compares favourably with one per cent spent by Russia or four percent by Moldova (UNICEF2005), but 15 per cent of a poor economy remains insufficient to meet Romania’s healthcare needs.