A surgeon from the Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Cluj-Napoca has been placed in preventive custody for bribery, being accused of having asked patients for money for surgical interventions.

A primary physician specializing in general surgery at the Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Cluj-Napoca has been placed in preventive detention for 30 days, accused by prosecutors of four counts of bribery and two in a continuous form.

Investigators documented several acts of corruption, including receiving sums of money from patients to perform surgical interventions. For example, on May 11, 2026, the doctor received 500 lei from a patient, and on May 12, he received 3,000 lei from the husband of a patient. He was also accused of receiving 500 euros for a surgery.

Prosecutors emphasize that the doctor turned his profession into a means of enrichment, violating professional ethical rules and taking advantage of patients in difficult situations. The Cluj Tribunal decided to place the doctor in preventive detention, highlighting the need to combat corruption in the medical system.