October 23, Bucharest – The South-Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) celebrated the official inauguration of the SEEHN Regional Health Development Centre for Health Professionals and Midwives in South-eastern Europe, marking a significant advancement in promoting excellence in nursing and midwifery education and practices across the region.
The new RHD Centre, led by the Order of Nurses, Midwives, and Medical Assistants of Romania (OAMGMAMR) in partnership with the Ministry of Health and SEEHN, is dedicated to supporting sustainable health system development and strengthening collaboration among SEEHN member states. This Centre will function as a vital hub for professional training, policy development, and sharing of best practices throughout South-eastern Europe, working in line with global health standards to raise healthcare quality and accessibility.
“I am honored and thrilled to inaugurate today, here in Bucharest, the SEEHN Regional Health Development Centre for Health Professionals and Midwives. This initiative is a pivotal moment not only for us but for the entire health network across Southeast Europe,” stated Mircea Timofte, President of OAMGMAMR and SEEHN Regional Health Development Centre for Nursing and Midwifery.
Dr. Mira Dasic, Director of the SEEHN Secretariat, highlighted the significance of this joint effort:
“The establishment of the Regional Health Development Centre for Nursing and Midwifery is yet another testament to the power of collective effort. As Director of SEEHN’s Secretariat, I have witnessed the incredible impact of our joint projects, and I am confident that this Centre will play a vital role in elevating the nursing and midwifery professions. It will provide a platform to share knowledge, develop best practices, and ensure our health systems are equipped to meet the demands of both today and the future.”
In a video message, Dr. Maggie Langins, WHO EURO policy advisor, expressed strong support for the Centre’s mission and work.
The event was attended by high-profile guests, including Nicolae Ciucă, President of the Romanian Senate, who emphasized the importance of investing in healthcare workforce development:
“It is essential to invest in the development of the nursing and midwifery professions, as these are the fundamental pillars of an efficient and sustainable healthcare system.”
Among other supporters, Professor Diana Loreta Păun, Public Health Department Coordinator for the Romanian Presidential Administration, and Professor Alexandru Rafila, Romanian Minister of Health, shared messages reaffirming their commitment to the Centre’s work and to regional health initiatives. The event was facilitated by Dr. Florentina Furtunescu, Member of the SEEHN Executive Committee.
Throughout the event, speakers underscored the Centre’s crucial role in addressing healthcare workforce challenges, with a special focus on enhancing data collection to shape informed policies and boost cross-border cooperation.
Dr. Alba Llop-Gironés, expert in the WHO Europe Nursing and Midwifery program, emphasized the Centre’s role in improving workforce data collection and related policy-making.
Rowaida Al Maaitah, Consultant to HRH Princess Muna Al Hussein, and Dr. Howard Catton, CEO of the International Council of Nurses (ICN), shared insights into the global impact of the ICN Nursing Declaration, which will influence the Centre’s future initiatives.
Roxana Hainagiu, Executive Director of the Regional Centre and Head of Communications at OAMGMAMR, outlined the Centre’s five-year development strategy, which details specific goals to advance the nursing and midwifery professions in South-eastern Europe, aiming to continuously elevate healthcare quality across member states. Following this presentation, Mr. Dragoș Iordache, a Centre expert, introduced the Centre’s visual and media identity, and participants received pins featuring the Centre’s logo. This official inauguration underscores a renewed commitment to advancing healthcare professions in South-eastern Europe, with robust support from both regional and international partners, and paves the way for sustainable healthcare progress in the years to come.
