Romania has a life expectancy 5 years lower than the EU average, healthcare spending is low, and vaccination and antibiotic consumption are concerning.

The European Commission's report on the state of health in Romania shows an alarming situation: Romanians live 5 years less than the European average, and health expenditures are the lowest in the EU. Life expectancy decreased during the pandemic but increased to 76.6 years in 2024, remaining below the EU average. Cardiovascular diseases and cancer are the leading causes of death, and more than a third of deaths are related to behavioral risk factors.

Alcohol consumption and lack of physical activity are high, and the avoidable mortality rate is alarming. Health expenditures are financed 77% from public sources, but out-of-pocket payments are significant. The vaccination rate for children is the lowest in the EU, and excessive use of antibiotics contributes to antimicrobial resistance.

Cancer mortality remains high, and the absence of national registries limits monitoring. In 2024, 6% of Romanians could not access medical care due to costs or waiting times. Income disparities affect access to health services, and vaccination against measles is alarmingly low. Romania faces serious challenges in the health sector, requiring urgent measures to improve the situation.