Summary

In 2011, Biertan commune in Sibiu County had a population of 2 590. While primarily comprised of Romanians (72%), there are also minority Roma (17%), German (4%), and Hungarian (4%) groups within the community. The population is ageing, overall, and has limited financial resources.

Medical care and basic services in the area have been in continuous decline since the 1990s because of a lack of equipment, utilities, and investment in infrastructure. This project aimed to restore this essential support to the local community and its most deprived and vulnerable groups. It also sought to establish trust and dialogue between the residents and the Local Authorities. A multi-functional healthcare centre was established to provide live-in healthcare services to 40 elderly people with disabilities, and also to assist another 65 people in their own homes. The LEADER measure covered the cost of purchasing most of the necessary equipment including washing machines, medical equipment and an electric bicycle.

Results

Essential care services are being provided to 65 people in the three villages of the commune (Biertan, Richis, and Copsa Mare), in addition to the 40 people who reside in the Biertan care centre. 

The professional skills of employees in the local administration and social sector have increased.

The quality of local health care services for the elderly has improved significantly. 

Three permanent jobs were created, one full-time and two part-time.