Overview
Romania’s healthcare system is predominantly public. Healthcare expenditure has typically ranged between 5% and 6% of GDP, which is below the EU average of approximately 9-10%. Despite these figures, Romania is actively investing in healthcare modernization, particularly in integrating robotics and digital technologies to enhance service delivery and patient care. The medical device market relies heavily on imports, with approximately 90% of medical equipment imported, reaching an all-time high in 2023 (latest figure available). That year, Romania imported approximately €479 million worth of medical instruments and appliances, about 10% higher than the previous year. This category includes a broad range of medical equipment (from surgical instruments to diagnostic apparatus).
The healthcare robotics sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by investments in modernizing healthcare infrastructure and increasing demand for advanced medical technologies. The market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 6.8% between 2025 and 2031, focusing on surgical robotics, telemedicine, platforms, rehabilitation devices, and AI-driven diagnostic tools.
EU countries dominate Romania’s import profile for medical devices. Germany alone accounts for roughly one-quarter to one-third of Romania’s medical device imports by value. The Netherlands is the second-largest source, supplying around 15–20% of these imports. China is the largest non-European supplier (around 7–8% share), reflecting imports of cost-effective medical equipment. Italy and Austria round out the top five, each providing 5% of Romania’s medical device import value. It’s worth noting that the United States is another notable exporter – U.S. exports of medical equipment to Romania total around 3% of Romania’s medical device imports.
Leading Sub-sectors
- Surgical Robotics: The demand for minimally invasive surgical procedures is increasing in Romania. U.S. companies offering advanced robotic surgical systems can find a receptive market, especially as hospitals seek to enhance surgical precision and patient outcomes. Private healthcare institutions in Romania, which are rapidly modernizing to meet both competitive and patient expectations, are highly receptive to such innovations.
- Telemedicine and Telepresence Systems: The need for remote healthcare services has accelerated the integration of telemedicine. Romanian startups are developing telepresence systems to facilitate remote consultations and diagnostics, improving access to healthcare in rural and underserved areas.
- Assistive and Rehabilitation Robotics: There is a growing need for rehabilitation technologies to aid patients recovering from surgeries or managing chronic conditions. U.S. exporters can supply robotic exoskeletons and assistive devices to meet this demand.
- Laboratory and Diagnostic Automation: Automation in laboratories is essential for efficient diagnostics. U.S. companies offering robotic lab equipment and AI-powered diagnostic solutions can contribute to modernizing Romania’s medical laboratories.
Opportunities
Public Tenders and Procurement
Romania’s government has initiated several tenders aimed at enhancing healthcare infrastructure:
- High-Performance Surgical Robot: The “Maria Sklodowska Curie” Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children has released a tender for a high-performance surgical robot.
- Intervention Vehicles with Robotics: The General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU) announced a €68.7 million tender to procure 40 intervention vehicles equipped with robotic systems.
- Humanoid Robots for Education: The University of Craiova issued a tender for humanoid robots to advance digital education, with a contract value of RON 370,000 (approximately $82,000).
U.S. exporters can participate in these tenders by collaborating with local partners.
EU-Funded Projects
Romania’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) allocates significant funds for healthcare digitalization and infrastructure:
- Digital Health Investments: €470 million is earmarked for developing an integrated e-health system that will connect over 25,000 healthcare providers.
- Hospital Infrastructure: €2 billion is designated for modernizing hospital facilities, reducing infection risks, and enhancing patient safety.
These investments create avenues for U.S. companies to supply cutting-edge healthcare robotics and related technologies - Trade Relations: The United States and Romania maintain a robust trade relationship, with opportunities for U.S. exporters in the healthcare sector. Romania’s imports of medical devices and technologies are on the rise, indicating a favorable market for U.S. products.
Resources
Key Government and Regulatory Agencies
- Ministry of Health
- National Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices in Romania (NAMMDR)
- National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP): Part II, Section 12: Health
- The Public Procurement Electronic System (SEAP)
Industry Associations
• Romanian Association of Medical Products Suppliers (AFPM)
• American Chamber of Commerce in Romania
Contact information
Monica Bogodai, Commercial Specialist
monica.bogodai@trade.gov