Current state of balneotherapy/thermalisme in Romania: main actors, reglementation and problems to solve

Abstract

Introduction: Romania owns almost 30% of natural therapeutic resources consisting in: climate (relief, hydrology and vegetation), including salt mines and caves microclimate; mineral/thermal waters (for bathing and drinking cure); mud/peat and gases. Balneal cure for rehabilitation is connected with tourism activity, so, common strategy for the future is important. Objective: Main objective of this paper work is to presents the main actors involved in health resort medicine and medical balneal tourism and their problems to solve. Methods: Study of laws and other public documents of Ministry of Health and Ministry of Regional Development and Tourism. Results: Key actors in the medical field are: - The Ministry of Health - National Health Insurance House - National House of Pensions and Other Social Insurance Rights Key actors in tourism activity: - Ministry of Regional Development and Tourism - Romanian Organization of Spa Owners, National Association of Tourism Agencies and Trade Unions Conclusions: Both actors performing in medical balneal tourism need to work together for a common future. In the medical field is needed more elasticity to offer both medical and wellness programs and more cooperation to develop the master plan made by tourism actors. The tourism actors must be involved into the opening up of balneal/thermal patrimony because research in balneology and balneal medicine means high costs for discovery, characterize and maintaining in exploitation the resource. The economic and political leaders will help this collaboration and cooperation if the actors make themselves heard in this “polyphony” of balneal medical tourism.