INML, an institution in clinical death: Financial problems and staff shortages are the main difficulties faced by the Institute, according to the INML director

The “Mina Minovici” National Institute of Legal Medicine is facing a financial and staffing crisis that could delay autopsies and forensic examinations. INML Director and forensic physician Sorin Hoștiuc told News.ro that debts owed by beneficiary institutions have reached nearly 5 million lei, compared with approximately 2 million during the same period last year.

The institute’s payroll fund has been cut by 10%, while its budget for the last six months was reduced by 20%. At the same time, the number of autopsy technicians has fallen from six to four, although six or seven would be needed for normal operations. On September 8 and 9, 15 cases were recorded, two of which were postponed until the following day.

The problems are worsening as specialized employees retire. At INML, both employees of the forensic laboratory are due to retire, while half of the senior staff in the toxicology laboratory will also retire. Fees for forensic examinations have not been updated since 2002: an examination in a professional negligence case costs 25 lei, while an autopsy does not cover even half of the material costs.