A brand-new oncology hospital in Romania has the potential to become a center of influence as it shares the Seventh-day Adventist principles of healthy living and serves those who most need it, regional church leaders said. The official inauguration of the Spitalul Oncologic Medex took place in Târgu-Mureș on July 12 and 13.
A Long-Held Dream
Soon after the fall of communism, Romanian Seventh-day Adventists showed a deep desire to share the light received in the area of healthful living with a wider spectrum of society. Working in a close relationship with the leadership of the church, missionary-minded physicians and businesspeople organized as Adventist-Laymen’s Services and Industries (ASi) Romania began to build and establish lifestyle centers. Currently, there are seven successful centers, with more in construction.
For the past few years, the church organized dozens of health expos, with tens of thousands benefiting from free tests and procedures, as well as classes in healthful living. The church also operates two schools of nursing.
A Combined Effort
For more than a decade, leading ASi members had been praying and planning for what they considered the next frontier: an Adventist hospital. In consultation with the Adventist Church’s Romanian Union Conference and with the guidance of Richard Hart, president of Loma Linda University Health in Loma Linda, California, United States, the decision was made that it would be an oncology center. The incidence of cancer in the Romanian population is higher than average in the European Union, and it is increasing.
The not-for-profit association established to build and operate the hospital is set up to follow the principles of health care adopted by the Adventist Church, treating every patient and employee as image-bearers of God. Local Adventist churches in the area are being trained to support the patients and their families by prayer, practical help during hospitalization, and education for a healthy lifestyle after the treatment in order to maximize the results and prevent relapses.
In 2021, a 13-acre (5.3-hectare) piece of land was secured just outside of the city of Târgu-Mureș, in Romania’s central region. Ten of those acres (about 4 hectares) were a donation made by an ASi member. The construction started the following year. About that time, the Russian invasion of Ukraine seriously affected the building materials market, and energy prices skyrocketed. The Romanian government, appreciating the importance of this cancer hospital, offered a US$6.95 million grant.
At the beginning of 2024, the 10,700 square-meter (115,000 square-foot) construction was finished. It has 116 beds; 77 of them will be used in daily care. After visiting the facility, Peter Landless, Adventist Health Ministries director, said that “the hospital has been thoughtfully designed and the building is of exceptionally high quality. The patient flow and treatment areas are conducive to promoting positive emotional and mental well-being, which is essential for patients who have cancer and face the protracted treatments that are needed.”
Healing, Compassion, and Hope
On the weekend of July 12 and 13, opening ceremonies culminated in the dedication of the facility as a center of healing, compassion, and hope. Founding members shared the story of the hospital and praised God for the miraculous way He has showed His favor. In a message presented by a personal representative, the prime minister of Romania expressed his deep appreciation for this new oncological hospital and reaffirmed the support of the government for its activity.
Hart attended the ceremony. “By the way it was designed and equipped, I am confident this place will be a leader in cancer care,” he said. “Loma Linda is pleased to partner with this facility, particularly by sharing and developing the skills the staff may need. Bringing the spiritual dimension to cancer care is absolutely critical. Our prayer is that this place will provide answers to all patients coming here with their uncertainties about their future and the larger meaning of life.”
Leonard Azamfirei, an Adventist church member who is the dean of the local School of Medicine, said he envisions a strong connection of the university with the new hospital in the area of student rotations and specialized training of physicians.
Inter-European Division secretary Barna Magyarosi urged the staff to “continue the healing work of Jesus Christ, working with compassion and committed to a wholistic vision of the medical work.”
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Aurel Neațu, president of the Romanian Union Conference, presented the facility and its staff before God in a dedicatory prayer.
Encouraging Messages
The festivities continued on Saturday (Sabbath) with a prerecorded message from General Conference president Ted N. C. Wilson. “God is going to use this hospital in a dynamic way,” Wilson said. “Much planning, much foresight, and much direction were given to the formation of this hospital. What an opportunity you have now, as you put this into effect, that it will become a wonderful testimony and witness for the Lord.…
“Working in a synergistic way, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you will bring about an understanding of the way God can work for the healing of the patients, and not only physically, but also spiritually,” Wilson concluded.
Alexandru Rafila, minister of health in the Romanian government, expressed his deep appreciation for the dedicated work of Adventist physicians, nurses, and volunteers in the health expos he has visited over the past two years. “I trust that this hospital will continue this tradition of competent care and compassionate service,” Rafila said. He also encouraged other denominations to follow the example of the Adventist Church in creating health programs for the underprivileged members of society.
Landless invited a group representing the medical and administrative staff of the hospital for an earnest prayer of dedication. He also urged all in attendance to pray at least once a week for the hospital, interceding with God on behalf of the patients and employees, and to use every possible way to show their support.
Following the ceremonies, a well-attended press conference resulted in headlines on various news outlets, both at local and national levels. Thousands of visitors used this opportunity to visit the hospital and were deeply impressed with the quality of the construction and the equipment, and the helpfulness of the staff.
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