Romania: Latest Silver Proof Commemorative Coins Remember 90th Anniversary of First Emergency Hospital.

With sacrifice and a bold vision, the founders of this institution established the foundations that would become an essential pillar of the Romanian medical system. The Bucharest Emergency Clinic Hospital, known as "Floreasca", is a symbol of devotion and commitment to the health of the Romanian population, with a rich history that begins 90 years ago. It all began in 1933 with an acute medical emergency which Romania’s twelve-year old King Michael faced. He was in need of an emergency appendectomy which could not be performed in the country and as a result, he was flown to Florence, Italy for the procedure. As a direct result, King Michael’s mother, Queen-Regent Helen became involved in the organisation and support of a dispensary in the Floreasca district, which was to be intended for the disadvantaged in the country’s capital. From 1934, a team of people which, as well as Queen-Regent Helen also included Dr. Constantin Deculescu - General Secretary of the Ministry of Health, responsible for public health and Dimitrie R Ioanițescu - the titular Minister of the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Protection took the decision to establish the Emergency Hospital. Thus, a first-rate hospital was established and specifically dedicated to medical emergencies. Thanks to the organisational skills of Dr. Nicolae Minovici, the hospital was furnished with the most modern equipment at the time and this also thanks to his miraculous means and at his request, the City Hall and the Social Insurance fund each registered subsidies of one million Lei each and the Post Office with five hundred thousand lei.

The emergency hospital that was administered by the Rescue Society, the entire emergency medical staff worked for free and was available at any time of the night if requested. Also, the Emergency Hospital was also available to the Faculty of Medicine for students needing to complete their medical knowledge of surgery. Over the decades, the Bucharest Clinical Emergency Hospital has evolved and adapted to medical requirements and advances, becoming a centre of excellence in the care of patients with emergency conditions. With qualified staff and modern equipment, supported by a tradition of dedication to the patient, the institution continues to fulfil its mission to save lives and promote health in the local community.

The silver proof coins are produced by the Monetăria Statului, Romanian State Mint at their facilities in Bucharest on behalf of the National Bank. The obverse design depicts a front-facing image of Queen-Regent Helen which is based on an official portrait taken during her exile circa 1965. Along the leftrim is the text ROMANIA along with the coins’ denomination of 10 LEI which is placed just to the left of the portrait. To the right side along the edge is an image of the national crest. The reverse side includes a depiction of an image of the Bucharest Emergency Clinic Hospital as it is seen today. Along the upper rim is the commemorative inscription SPITALULUI CLINIC DE URGENȚĂ BUCUREȘTI (Clinical Emergency Hospital Bucharest) with the additional text 90 ANI (90 years) superimposed over the lower half of the primary design.

The encapsulated silver coins are available from the 22^nd April and are accompanied with a certificate of authenticity containing the signatures of the NBR governor and the central cashier. They are available directly through the Bucharest, Cluj, Iasi, and Timişoara regional branches of the National Bank of Romania. For additional information, please visit the numismatics section of the National Bank of Romania.