Political Instability, Low Wages Push 6 in 10 Doctors to Leave

A recent survey conducted by MEDIjobs, Romania’s largest medical recruitment platform, reveals an alarming reality about how healthcare professionals perceive the impact of the current national context. According to the collected data, 61.7% of medical professionals believe the healthcare system is directly affected by Romania’s current political and economic situation.

When asked which aspects of the current context concern them most, respondents pointed to the following:

• 64.7% – Rising inflation and cost of living, which pressures not only personal budgets but also the healthcare system’s ability to deliver quality services;

• 44.7% – Chronic underfunding of the medical system, which limits resources for hospitals, equipment, medication, and staff;

• 40.3% – Lack of investment in medical infrastructure, highlighting outdated conditions in many public facilities;

• 40% – Government instability and frequent legislative changes, creating uncertainty and lack of coherent healthcare policies.

Beyond predefined answers, participants were able to share open-ended feedback. One doctor noted:

“The Romanian healthcare system needs modernization—in both infrastructure and quality of medical care. The lack of quality control departments in many hospitals, combined with still-insufficient salaries, affects professional performance and patient safety. We need a strategic approach to align with international standards and restore trust in the system.”

Romania’s unstable healthcare system not only impacts the quality of care but also contributes to a troubling trend: a growing number of healthcare specialists are considering changing jobs or leaving the country altogether.

According to the survey:

• 31.3% say they will definitely change jobs within the next 12 months;

• 28.7% are considering the option;

• 23.3% are undecided;

• Only 16.7% do not plan to make such a move.

The main reasons for seeking a job change include:

• 68.3% – Unsatisfactory salary;

• 54.1% – Heavy workload and stress;

• 39.6% – Lack of career advancement opportunities;

• 32.5% – Poor work-life balance.

Political and economic pressure is also pushing many specialists toward emigration.

• 50.3% of respondents seriously consider leaving the country, citing political instability, economic uncertainty, and the lack of real institutional support;

• 10.7% are fully decided to emigrate within the next 6–12 months;

• The remaining 32% are not currently considering this option.

In total, nearly 6 out of 10 healthcare professionals are actively exploring the possibility of continuing their medical careers abroad.

This trend is reinforced by the fact that over 60% of participants believe political decisions directly affect the quality of medical care, indicating a deep erosion of trust in the system’s ability to offer stability, predictability, and professional conditions.

What would convince doctors to stay in Romania? Higher salaries, respect for the profession, and less bureaucracy.

The survey shows that healthcare professionals are no longer satisfied with promises—they want clear solutions, real investments, and a professional framework that acknowledges their value.

• 83% would stay in Romania if salaries and benefits were significantly increased;

• 66.7% want a reduction in bureaucracy and administrative pressure, which takes time and energy away from actual medical care;

• 55% say investments in hospital infrastructure are crucial for staying in the system—emphasizing the urgent need for modernization, especially in public hospitals.

These demands are closely linked to current dissatisfaction levels:

• 43.3% are unhappy with their salaries;

• 87.7% say their income only partially or not at all reflects the effort, responsibility, and complexity of their work.

“This survey reflects a well-known reality, but rarely quantified with such accuracy: economic uncertainty and unstable political decisions directly impact the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of Romania’s healthcare system. Without consistent reforms and strategic funding, the risk of healthcare service deterioration remains high. The MEDIjobs study highlights a major risk to the future of Romanian healthcare. Doctors are no longer just asking for better pay—they want stability and the ability to practice with dignity. Unless these needs are addressed, the threat of medical brain drain will remain real and pressing,”
said Catrinel Hagivreta-Djafari, CEO and Co-Founder of MEDIjobs.

The MEDIjobs survey was conducted in March on a representative sample of healthcare professionals from both the public and private sectors in Romania, using the CAWI method, with a margin of error of ±5.66% and a 95% confidence level.