At the headquarters of Complexul Energetic Oltenia – Rovinari, on September 18, the launch conference of the “Oltenia Breathes Better” campaign took place. The program offers free screening for the early detection of lung cancer, targeting CEO employees.
The event brought together representatives from academia, the medical field, the energy industry, and the pharmaceutical industry:
- Dan Ionuț Gheonea, MD, PhD, Professor, Rector of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova
- Teodor Blidaru, MD, Manager, Health Innovation Hub
- Carmen Oancea, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Coordinator of the Community Projects Department, UMF Craiova
- Michael Schenker, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Representative of the Romanian Society of Medical Oncology (SNOMR)
- Costin Streba, MD, PhD, Professor, Coordinator of the Research Center, UMF Craiova
- Ion Bălășoiu, Engineer, CE Oltenia Directorate
- Representatives of the LAWG Association – Founding Member of the Health Innovation Hub
Statements from participants:
Dan Ionuț Gheonea, MD, PhD, Professor, Rector of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova: “Our university is committed to playing an active role in promoting public health. Through this project, we are offering CEO employees the chance for early diagnosis and rapid treatment, helping to reduce the impact of a serious disease on the community. We bring with us the experience of previous projects, which have proven to be a real success with significant benefits for the community, and we are confident about the implementation of this new initiative, which would not be possible without all the partners present here today.”
Teodor Blidaru, MD, Assistant Professor, Manager of the Health Innovation Hub:
“The mission of the Health Innovation Hub is to bring together key stakeholders to develop projects with real impact. It has three strategic partners: the Ministry of Health, G6 – the Association of the six Universities of Medicine and Pharmacy in Romania, and LAWG. Its main goal is to support future health policies and strategic plans. ‘Oltenia Breathes Better’ is a concrete example of a partnership between healthcare and industry.”
Carmen Oancea, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova: “For us, the community component is essential. This is an opportunity to be close to employees, to inform them, and to support them with evidence-based medical solutions. Starting September 22, together with the implementation team, we will begin administering the questionnaire validated by all partners. After evaluating the responses, we will move as quickly as possible to the next stage of the project: Low-Dose CT scans, offered free of charge at the Imaging Center of UMF Craiova for individuals at high risk of developing lung conditions.”
Michael Schenker, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Representative of the Romanian Society of Medical Oncology (SNOMR): “As a scientific partner of this project, SNOMR has been involved in the validation process and will promote the project’s results among the society’s members. Early diagnosis means saving lives. Within this project, the St. Nectarios Oncology Center will provide free bronchoscopic investigations and high-quality treatments to all patients referred following the screening, after the Low-Dose CT scans and the imaging specialists’ evaluations.”
Costin Streba, MD, PhD, Professor, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova: “The project also has a research dimension, through which we will monitor success indicators and generate valuable data to inform national health policies. We have also brought on board the Leamna Pulmonology Hospital as a partner, which will provide laboratory tests and spirometry for all individuals who come to Craiova for CT investigations.”
Ion Bălășoiu, Engineer, CE Oltenia Directorate: “For CE Oltenia, employee health is a top priority. Through this strategic collaboration, we demonstrate social responsibility and care for the people who sustain the company’s activity every day.”
About the campaign:
“Oltenia Breathes Better” includes a risk questionnaire, Low-Dose CT scans at UMF Craiova, and free bronchoscopies at the St. Nectarios Oncology Center. A dedicated call center will guide participants throughout the entire medical process.
The campaign is a best-practice example and aligns with the objectives of the National Cancer Control Plan (PNCC) as well as European recommendations on lung cancer prevention and screening.
The Health Innovation Hub is a strategic initiative developed by the Ministry of Health, the G6-UMF University Alliance, and the LAWG Association, launched in 2023. Among its priorities are education and awareness efforts aimed at increasing prevention and screening for the early detection of chronic diseases.
