The Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) urges Romania to address the serious deficiencies in the treatment of patients in psychiatric hospitals.

In a report published on October 15, the Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) of the Council of Europe highlighted serious deficiencies in the treatment of patients in psychiatric hospitals in Romania, identified following a visit in 2024. The CPT emphasized negligent treatments, which could constitute inhuman and degrading treatment, thus violating Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The report mentions cases of physical abuse of patients, including beatings and the use of electric shock weapons. Additionally, deaths caused by choking on food have been recorded, suggesting negligence in identifying at-risk patients. The material conditions in hospitals are described as deplorable, with severe overcrowding and insufficient staff to provide necessary care.

The CPT acknowledged that Romanian authorities have begun to respond to previous recommendations but emphasized the need for further reforms within the National Health Strategy 2023-2030. The Committee is committed to collaborating with Romanian authorities to improve the situation of patients in psychiatric hospitals.