BOURNEMOUTH, United Kingdom — Despite significant economic and social progress in recent decades, Romania continues to face considerable challenges within its health care system. Many public hospitals struggle with old facilities, limited resources and increasing demand from patients with more complex health care needs.
For vulnerable communities, particularly children from disadvantaged backgrounds, families living in poverty and individuals requiring specialized care, the obstacles could be even greater. Access to quality health care often depends on geography, financial circumstances, or the availability of adequate facilities, leaving many people without the support they need.
To address these ongoing issues, The Metropolis Foundation has emerged as an important force for change, supporting healthcare improvements across the country. By funding infrastructure projects and promoting access to high-quality medical services, the non-profit organization contributes to ongoing efforts to strengthen Romania’s health care system and improve patient outcomes.
Since its establishment in 2007, the Metropolis Foundation has become one of Romania’s most influential nonprofit organizations, creating meaningful change in health care, social support, and community development. What began as a mission to help vulnerable children has evolved into a broader effort to improve lives through sustainable projects that address some of the country’s most pressing social challenges.
From Supporting Children to Strengthening Communities
The Metropolis Foundation is a Romanian nonprofit organization that supports vulnerable children, families and patients through projects focused on education, social care, and health care. Beyond its core programs, it is also working to improve Romania’s health care system by renovating hospitals, providing medical equipment, and supporting patients and their families. Through its various initiatives, the foundation aims to create better opportunities and improve the quality of life for people in need.
In 2019, the foundation supported more than 700 children and raised €638,000 in donations.
The Initiative That Sparked Change
One of the foundation’s most impactful initiatives was inspired by a deeply emotional experience at the Fundeni Clinical Institute in Bucharest. There, entrepreneur and philanthropist Codin Maticiuc met Lăcrămioara, a young leukaemia patient known as “The Girl from Room 702.”
The conditions in which she was receiving treatment highlighted the serious deficiencies present in many public health care facilities. The experience became the catalyst for action and ultimately led to the launch, in 2020, of the “Public Hospitals from Private Funds” initiative.
The first major project involved renovating the Pediatric Hematology Department at Fundeni. What started as a single renovation soon grew into a nationwide effort to improve public health care infrastructure. Today, the initiative funds hospital renovations, modernization projects, medical equipment, furniture and other critical improvements designed to create safer and more dignified environments for patients and health care professionals.
The Impact
In 2021, four hospitals across Romania received help from the foundation, while building a community of more than 21,000 donors. Its initiatives have reached more than 400,000 people through social media, helping raise awareness and inspire action. Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, the organization has also raised more than €850,000 in donations.
Beyond improving medical facilities across Romania, the project has succeeded in bringing together more than 4.5 million people and 65,000 donors in one year alone. By 2023, the initiative had engaged more than 7 million people and delivered support to more than 300,000 beneficiaries, extending its impact to 25 hospitals in 20 cities across Romania, according to the Metropolis Foundation Annual Report.
Beyond the physical upgrades, the initiative carries an important message: every patient deserves quality care delivered in humane conditions.
A Landmark Project for Pediatric Mental Health
The most ambitious undertaking in the foundation’s history is currently the construction of a new Pediatric Psychiatry Hospital in Bucharest.
The new clinic will represent an investment of €16.5 million. Covering more than 3,900 square meters, the facility will include 37 modern patient rooms, 11 therapy spaces, and 16 medical offices. The hospital is expected to serve thousands of children and teenagers each year.
Speaking with The Borgen Project, a representative from the Metropolis Foundation stated that the project represents much more than the construction of a building. It is an investment in the future well-being of an entire generation of children who deserve access to proper treatment and support.
Measuring Impact Through Lives Changed
The Metropolis Foundation also shared with The Borgen Project that it believes its success should be measured not only by completed projects but also by the lives it has helped improve. Children have received support that allows them to remain in school and with their families. Patients have benefited from better treatment conditions. Young people have gained opportunities for greater independence, while communities have become more engaged in addressing local challenges.
“Perhaps the foundation’s most significant achievement has been its ability to inspire collective action. Through transparent fundraising campaigns and visible results, it has encouraged individuals, businesses, and communities to become active participants in creating positive change.” said The Metropolis Foundation representative.
Looking Ahead
The future of the Metropolis Foundation is focused on growth, sustainability and long-term impact. Completing the Pediatric Psychiatry Hospital remains a top priority, alongside expanding the “Public Hospitals from Private Funds” initiative and continuing to modernize health care facilities throughout Romania.
At the same time, the foundation hopes to grow the community that stands behind its work. By bringing together citizens, companies, volunteers, and partners who share a commitment to social responsibility, it aims to demonstrate that lasting change is possible when people work together.
In a country facing complex social and health care challenges, the Metropolis Foundation offers a powerful example of what can be achieved through determination, collaboration, and compassion. Its work continues to show that meaningful change begins with action, and that every contribution can help build a better future.
– Elena Ghimis
Elena is based in Bournemouth, UK and focuses on Celebs for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr