Information exchange meetings on medical work and mental health care in the penitentiary system were held at two Universities in Romania: the “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara and at the University of Lucius Blaga of Sibiu on 25 November and 4 December. Information sessions organised by the National Administration of Penitentiaries in partnership with universities’ academic staff, enabled the young professionals to learn more about the work in the penitentiary system, its benefits and rewards.  

Specificities of health care in prisons, role and function of doctors and nurses in penitentiary establishments, challenges related to prisoners’ treatment, dealing with vulnerable groups and addressing other issues in demanding prison environment were at the core of the discussions. Through interactive talks, participants learnt more about how the medical services work in prisons, what are career possibilities in the system, what challenges and advantages are to be expected.

Meetings were organised as a part of a series of information sessions held in different universities to support implementation of the Strategy on Attracting the Medical Personnel and improve the quality of the health care provided in the Penitentiary system. It is anticipated that the cooperation between the National Administration of Penitentiaries, universities and medical facilities among other measures will result in attracting more personnel in the penitentiary system and address the problem of shortage of personnel hindering the provision of health care.

The initiative and series of meetings are supported within the framework of the project Further strengthening the provision of health care and mental health in prisons and other closed institutions in Romania (phase 2) financed by the Human Rights Trust Fund of the Council of Europe.