The first cancer hospital for children in Romania paves the way for a medical campus

Romania's first children's hospital dedicated to cancer and severe illnesses in Bucharest, a project initiated by the Give Life Association and widely supported by civil society, has now been completed. Built thanks to the support of over 350,000 individuals and 8,000 companies, represents a landmark achievement in the nation's healthcare landscape, significantly improving medical care for children.

The Give Life Association (Dăruiește Viață), a UICC member organisation led by Carmen Uscatu and Oana Gheorghiu, embarked on this ambitious project two years ago amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Their vision was not only to build a hospital but to change healthcare delivery and the way paediatric cancer and severe illnesses were treated in Romania.

Completing the hospital was not without its challenges. The Give Life Association, while rallying support for the hospital, also had to mobilise resources to provide support to frontline health workers in the pandemic and distribute protective and medical equipment across the country.

The new hospital features advanced medical facilities, including the country’s first Paediatric Radiotherapy Department in a public children’s hospital. Oana Gheorghiu explains: “This department is crucial, as it addresses a longstanding gap in the healthcare system where children previously received radiotherapy in adult centres without the possibility of anaesthesia. The involvement of global experts such as Prof. Saiful Huq, alongside partnerships with world-renowned radiotherapy centres, has been pivotal in establishing this department.”

The hospital spans 12,000 square meters, with nine levels and over 140 beds. It is equipped with modern operating theatres, intensive care units and family-friendly amenities. This infrastructure is complemented by a holistic approach to care, offering multidisciplinary treatment and creating a supportive environment for young patients and their families. Features such as beds for parents, dedicated children's spaces and a fully digitalised medical unit signify a leap forward in healthcare standards in Romania.

As the hospital begins its operations, the focus is already shifting to the next phase of development. Plans are underway to construct a second building, aiming to create a comprehensive medical campus. This ongoing effort continues to rely on the generosity and support of donors and the broader community, including already ENGIE, OMNIASIG and Raiffeisen Bank.