Romania is a developed country whose nationals' incomes are increasing, based on the results of solidarity and a fair economy, capable of producing more and better paid jobs, in which the workforce produces added value and has the ability to innovate . In such a country the population must be healthy and there must be an efficient, accessible and resilient health system.
Health, as the foundation of human capital, is essential for innovation, productivity and, therefore, for Romania's sustainable economic growth. Recognizing this interdependence underscores the need for strategic investments in the health system, which, despite the country's remarkable economic progress, suffers from chronic underfunding and per capita spending far below the European Union average according to the latest Health Country Profile [1]. This reality generates negative effects on life expectancy and preventable and treatable mortality, reflecting a significant gap between health system needs and available resources, with potentially serious repercussions on the quality of life and economic development.
The Foreign Investors Council (FIC) emphasizes the imperative importance of reforming the health sector, not only to improve the care of citizens, but also to support a sound business environment and sustainable economic growth. This vision aligns with the objectives of the "Va Urma" programme [2], launched by the FIC, which makes proposals for the accelerated development of Romania up to 2040. Care for human capital is an essential condition for achieving the programme’s objectives.
In recent decades, the benefits brought by vaccines, antibiotics and adequate nutrition have highlighted the direct impact of public health on economic growth. Millions of lives have been saved, and productivity and employment boosted. This promotes [3]considerable social benefits and contributes to sustainable economic progress.
Investment in health represents, in fact, investment in Romania's human capital, which is essential for both current and future generations. Financing optimized and oriented towards evidence-based public health policies has a significant positive impact on society by saving lives, improving the quality of life, as well as stimulating economic growth and productivity, as seen in other European countries. In this sense, the 2023 edition of the FIC White Book, entitled "Investments for the future" [4], offers a series of valuable recommendations for strengthening investments in human capital and, by implication, in the Romanian health system.