Raed Arafat, founder of Romanian Mobile Emergency Service: I have the obligation to warn, not to shut up

After resigning as Under Secretary of State in Romania’s Health Ministry, Raed Arafat has openly condemned the draft law on health reform.

“I have the obligation to warn, and not to shut up, not to stand still, hoping that this will be negotiated. This was not the first time an attempt to commercialize the emergency system has been made,” said Raed Arafat today (January 10) during a press conference. He added that he resigned because he felt by leaving the Ministry of Health he will better able to protect the emergency system. President Basescu previously commented on the Arafat's criticism, saying on Monday evening (January 9) during a live show at Realitatea TV channel: "I want to warn Mr. Arafat that the draft law is to be discussed, this is why it is open for public debate. The right approach is to present his concerns via the ministry and not create public outcry that this government wants to destroy the ambulance servive.” Raed Arafat's decision comes after his discontent with the health reform law’s new provisions concerning emergency medicine and his dispute with President Traian Basescu and other officials from the Ministry of Health on the upcoming health law. In the last week of December 2011 the Romanian Ministry of Health opened a draft law for public debate that, if implemented, will completely change the nature of the healthcare system. According to the new provisions, the private sector will play a more important role; the privatization of hospitals and voluntary health insurance made by private companies are mentioned. Raed Arafat said that the new draft health law will destroy the integrated system of emergency that solves very serious cases and provides part of the national security and defense policy of Romania against disaster and replace it with commercial competition. Raed Arafat was appointed Under Secretary of State for Health on August 23, 2007, by a decision signed by then Prime Minister, Calin Popescu Tariceanu. In the ministry, Raed Arafat was in charge of emergency medicine. He is also the coordinator and founder of the Mobile Emergency Service for Resuscitation and Extrication (SMURD). He is currently the coordinator doctor of SMURD Targu Mures. On December 31, 2005, he was awarded by President Traian Basescu with the National Order ‘For Merit’ in rank of Officer for his efforts in rescuing people from floods and for his daily efforts to save the lives of many Romanians. Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com (photo source: Romania’s Govt.)