Promoting resilience of health systems and equal access to skin and liver care through RORS screening and treatment solutions

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Romania Serbia

Date of latest update: 2025-09-26

Description

Description (EN):

The project is designed around a solid RO-RS cross-border partnership between the "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara as LP and General Hospital „Đorđe Joanović” Zrenjanin as PP, aiming to improve the overall well-being of the target group by providing better access to quality healthcare services and reducing the incidence of skin and liver cancer in the programme’s eligible area, namely in Timis, a Romanian county, and in Srednjobanatska oblast (Central Banat), a district in Serbia. The project addresses punctual common challenges with reference to certain situations in which both partners fail to meet patients' expectations: 1. Limited access to specialized healthcare; 2. Limited capacity of healthcare providers. The project`s approach in addressing these common challenges: 1. The project will implement a comprehensive screening program for liver and skin cancer, as well as further testing or treatment for positive patients. This will ensure that individuals in the program area have equal access to care regardless of their location, race, gender, financial status or level of education. To address limited awareness and education, the project will launch an awareness campaign to educate individuals about the risks associated with these conditions and the importance of early detection and treatment. HEPASKIN will also create cross-border registers that will provide a comprehensive and standardized database of information on skin and liver cancer cases in the project area. 2. The Romanian professional team will organize training sessions and workshops for Serbian healthcare providers to increase their capacity. The training courses will be designed for different specialties, including dermatology, general surgery, plastic surgery and gastroenterology. The courses will cover various aspects of diagnosis and treatment of liver and skin cancer, including classical and laparoscopic techniques, dermatoscopy, flap courses, and laparoscopic liver resection courses. The main overall objective of the project: To ensure equal access to quality services related to skin and liver cancer in the cross-border area for 4.000 persons/ patients, by enhancing awareness, targeting 5 investments in high-tech equipment, building the screening capacity of 40 healthcare providers through joint training activities and implementing 2 registers, ultimately leading to improved medical outcomes for the population. The expected change that the HEPASKIN project will make to the current situation is a reduction in the incidence and mortality rates of skin and liver cancer, as well as an improvement in the overall quality of life for those affected by these disorders. Project main outputs clearly link to Priority 2, SO 2.2, Output Indicator and Result Indicator: 1. PSO 03 - Investments in health care, family-based and community-based care services: 5 investments representing 17% of the final target value under this call 2. PSR 03 - Annual users of the supported investments in health care, family-based and community-based care services: 4.000 patients/persons benefiting from the supported investments in health care, family-based and community-based care services, representing 40% of the target value under this call, out of which: a) 1.000 persons in the project area benefiting from targeted awareness-raising activities, meaning a change in the target audience's knowledge and belief regarding skin and liver cancer, by providing them with accurate and relevant information on the topic, in order to engage in preventative behaviors, seek early diagnosis, and support, reducing the incidence and impact of these conditions in the project area; b) 2.500 persons in the project area benefiting from screening solutions for skin and liver cancer; c) 150 patients in the project area benefiting from surgical procedures for skin and liver cancer; d) 350 patients in the project area benefiting from collecting and entering their data into the 2 Registers, receiving timely and accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment and follow-up care; It is estimated that during the durability period at least 100 persons/annually, 500 in total, will have access to screening and 50 users/annually, 250 in total, will have their data collected and entered into the Registers (Final target - 2029). HEPASKIN is a unique project that addresses the unmet needs in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic skin and liver diseases by developing an integrated multidisciplinary system of care that includes novel screening methods, innovative treatment approaches and patient registries. The project combines the expertise of two partner institutions and leverages the latest advances in digital data collection and analysis to enhance the quality of care for patients with skin and liver cancer. Additionally, HEPASKIN aims to raise awareness of these conditions among the general population, promoting early diagnosis and prevention measures.

Actual Achievements (EN):

The HEPASKIN project, launched on 23 November 2024, aims to strengthen cross-border healthcare access for the early detection and treatment of skin and liver cancers in the Romania-Serbia border region. In this initial phase, the project focused on setting up the implementation structure, launching awareness-raising actions, and laying the foundation for medical training and screening activities. Key achievements during this period include: Operationalization of project teams in both Romania and Serbia, including contracting 5 key staff members in Romania and finalizing team formation in Serbia. The first Joint Steering Committee (JSC) meeting was held online on 11 February 2025, officially launching the governance structure and coordination process. Educational and promotional content was prepared to raise awareness about skin and liver cancers: Terms of Reference were developed for 1,000 brochures, 100 posters, and two short videos. Facebook page HepaskinRORS00307 launched as a tool for engaging the general public. Awareness events and a launch conference were scheduled for the beginning of Period 2. Public presence and visibility of the project was ensured through: Press releases on both institutional websites (UMFVBT and GH Zrenjanin). A regional article in Serbia further amplifying public engagement. The curriculum for innovative training in liver cancer care was initiated, along with development of patient anamnesis tools. Preparation of procurement procedures began for educational materials and a cross-border medical register system. Added Value of Cross-Border Cooperation The cooperation between Romanian and Serbian institutions brings significant added value: Shared medical expertise fosters improved training programs tailored to both systems. Joint planning ensures consistent awareness messages and materials across the border. Data harmonization efforts through the development of cross-border registers will enable long-term collaboration in cancer prevention and treatment. This progress lays a solid foundation for the next steps in screening, treatment, and training activities, contributing to more equitable and efficient healthcare access in the region. Achievements per Partner: LP1 – UMFVBT (Romania) - Formed the project team: 5 contracts signed. - Conducted planning for all major activities: A1.1, A1.2, A1.4, A1.7. - Held first Joint Steering Committee (JSC) meeting online on 11 February 2025. - Prepared 2 public procurements: educational materials and registers. - Developed ToRs for: - Educational materials (skin and liver cancer): brochures, posters, short videos. - Cross-border register. - Created official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HepaskinRORS00307 - Published project description and press release on UMFVBT website. - Scheduled: - Awareness events and launch conference for 27 February 2025. - Training workshops in Month 4. - Community events. PP2 – GH Zrenjanin (Serbia) - Project team established; external members contracted. - Participated in JSC meeting (11 February 2025). - Completed: - Project description for GHZ website. - Press release published in regional media. - Visual identity activities (partial). - Initiated preparation of 2 procurements (to be published next period). - Began collaboration with LP1 on: - Curriculum development for liver cancer training. - Screening procedures. Deliverables & Outputs - ToRs for materials and registers (not submitted as deliverables). - Facebook presence and media campaigns ongoing. - Training plans and data tools under preparation. - No final outputs delivered for equipment or interventions in Period 1. The project has made substantial preparatory progress during Period 1 in awareness raising and capacity building. While no quantifiable outputs have yet been delivered, the activities are consistent with the expected early implementation phase of a healthcare project. The added value of cooperation is evident in joint planning, shared medical curriculum development, and coordinated communication efforts across borders. Significant measurable results (screening, training, data collection, surgeries) are expected in Periods 2 and 3.

Project outputs: RO high-tech medical equipment and supplies for skin cancer(EN)
RS high-tech medical equipment and supplies for skin cancer(EN)
RO high-tech Medical equipment and supplies for liver cancer(EN)
RS high-tech Medical equipment and supplies for liver cancer(EN)
Cross-border Registers for skin and liver cancer(EN)
Website: http://www.umft.ro

Thematic information

Health and social services ICT and digital society Education and training

Priority: (VI-A_RO-SR_2) Social and economic development

Priority specific objective: RSO4.5. Ensuring equal access to health care and fostering resilience of health systems, including primary care, and promoting the transition from institutional to family-based and community-based care

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO4 A more social and inclusive Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights

Type of intervention: 129 Health equipment

Partners (2)

Lead Partner: Universitatea de Medicină și Farmacie "Victor Babeș" din Timișoara

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 997902051

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 4269215 | 4269215 | N/A (EN)

Department: Microbiology/Dermatology Clinic/ Morphoderm Center for the morphologic study of the skin + Internal Medicine 2/ Gastroeneterology and Hepatology + Surgical Semiology 1 and Thoracic Surgery/Hepato-Bilio-pancreatic Surgery Center

Address: Eftimie Murgu, 300041 Timisoara, Romania

Department address: (several addresses), (several addresses) Timisoara, Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.umft.ro/

Total budget: EUR 1 498 403.85

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 1 273 643.27

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 224 760.58

Contractors:

Name: ATU Advertising SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO14011026

Opšta bolnica "Đorđe Joanović" u Zrenjaninu

Name: Opšta bolnica "Đorđe Joanović" u Zrenjaninu

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 882973832

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 105539565 | N/A | N/A (EN)

Address: Dr. Vase Savica, 23000 Zrenjanin, Serbia

Department address: Serbia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Hospitals and medical centres

Website: http://www.bolnica.org.rs

Total budget: EUR 543 516.63

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 461 989.13

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 81 527.50

Contractors:

Name: Mistcon, Milan Stupar PR
VAT registration or tax identification number: 114641933
Name: Studio do Mano DOO, Zrenjanin
VAT registration or tax identification number: 109203293

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

General Hospital „Đorđe Joanović” Zrenjanin

Promoting resilience of health systems and equal access to skin and liver care through RORS screening and treatment solutions

Partners and Projects info

"Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara

Promoting resilience of health systems and equal access to skin and liver care through RORS screening and treatment solutions

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Promoting resilience of health systems and equal access to skin and liver care through RORS screening and treatment solutions

Project acronym: HEPASKIN

Project ID: RORS00307

Project start date: 2024-11-23

Project end date: 2026-11-22

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

ROSECAN (EN) | Romania-Serbia Joint Initiative against Cancer in Cross-Border Region: Improved Diagnosis and Treatment of Malignant Tumors” – ROSECAN. The objective of the ROSECAN project is to develop oncology in the region through a modern and efficient infrastructure with the aim of ensuring access to high-quality services for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. (EN), RORS 9 (EN) | RORS 9 Improved health care in neurology and psychiatry – longer life, with both the "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara and the General Hospital "Sveti Luka" Smederevo as partners. The project targets to reduce the probability of a stroke through better diagnose services. The project targets to educate the population in general medicine, stimulating the people to attend regular medical investigations.
- The project generate synergy, as the analyzed project offers specialized training for future doctors, respectively for students and PhD students, including for medical personnel, so that they can have the necessary professional capacities to assist the population in carrying out the high quality medical investigations offered through RORS9.
- The current project is a continuous effort to improve the professional skills and knowledge of the medical personnel by measures for developing highly technical skills and competences. At the institutional level, the projects have positive impact on the process of internalizing new mechanisms for working procedures, joint platforms, joint events for education and training.
(EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 041 920.48

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 735 632.40

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 85.00%

Co-financing sources:

IPA/IPA II/IPA III: Amount, EUR 1 735 632.40. Co-financing rate, 85.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Educational materials for skin cancer developed
FB page created
Community events hosted
Mandatory visual identity activities carried out
500 people included in the awareness campaign
1 Cross-Border Training Program in place
RORS medical expert team assigned
Questionnaire for anamnesis
1500 RORS individuals screened for skin cancer
75 surgical interventions for skin cancer performed
Educational materials developed
Community events hosted
500 people prevented
Cross-Border Training Program for liver cancer in place
RORS medical expert team assigned
1000 RORS screened persons
75 surgical interventions for liver cancer
2 Functional Cross-border Registers
350 patients with collected and analysed data

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

TerritorialAgenda2030 HEPASKIN focuses on promoting cross-border cooperation between Romania and Serbia to address common challenges related to limited access to specialized healthcare and limited capacity of healthcare providers. By doing so, the project contributes to the goal of promoting territorial cohesion and reducing disparities across borders.
The project aims to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services for skin and liver cancer patients through screening, diagnosis and treatment. By doing so, it contributes to the goal of promoting social and economic development through improved healthcare services. Moreover, the project involves training healthcare providers in innovative procedures and surgery techniques, promoting knowledge transfer and innovation in healthcare services.
Overall, the project's objectives and activities align with the goals of The Territorial Agenda 2030, promoting territorial cohesion, economic and social development, innovation, and knowledge transfer.
Other The EU Health Strategy:
The project aims to increase equal access to specialized healthcare for skin and liver cancer by providing free screenings, diagnostics and treatments. By doing so, it will help to reduce health inequalities and improve the overall health of citizens in the project area.
HEPASKIN will organize training sessions and workshops for healthcare providers, which will enhance their knowledge and skills of classical and laparoscopic techniques. This capacity-building initiative will improve the quality of care provided to patients and contribute to the development of a highly skilled and competent healthcare workforce.
The project will raise public awareness about the risk factors for skin and liver cancer and the importance of prevention. Through education campaigns, the project will encourage individuals to adopt healthy lifestyles and behaviors that can reduce their risk of developing these cancers.
The registers will provide a valuable source of data for research into liver and skin cancer, including the incidence, prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes of these diseases.
Overall, the project aligns with the EU Health Strategy's goal of promoting equitable access to high-quality healthcare services, strengthening the resilience and sustainability of health systems, and fostering innovation and digitalization in healthcare.
Other The EU Cancer Plan:
The EU Cancer Plan is a comprehensive initiative launched by the European Commission in 2021 to reduce the burden of cancer in Europe, improve cancer prevention and diagnosis, and increase access to high-quality cancer treatment and care.
Firstly, the project focuses on improving skin and liver screening, which can help detect cancer early and improve the chances of successful treatment. By increasing access to assessment services in the cross-border area, the project can help to reduce the number of late-stage cancer diagnoses, which is a key priority of the EU Cancer Plan.
Secondly, the project aims to build the capacity of healthcare providers in the cross-border area, particularly in the use of innovative techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of skin and liver cancer. This can help to ensure that patients receive high-quality, evidence-based care, which is another key objective of the EU Cancer Plan.
Finally, the project also aims to establish cross-border registers of skin and liver cancer patients, which can help to improve cancer research and facilitate the exchange of best practices among healthcare providers in the cross-border area. This aligns with the EU Cancer Plan's goal of promoting cancer research and innovation and improving the sharing of knowledge and expertise across Europe.

Deliverable (other than infrastructural investment) areas:

România (RO), Timisoara, Ofcea, 17, 300559
Serbia (RS), Zrenjanin, Dr. Vase Savica, 5, 23000
România (RO), Timisoara, (Several addresses), (several addresses), (several addresses)
Serbia (RS), Zrenjanin, Dr. Vase Savica, 5, 23000
România (RO), Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu, 2, 300041

Programme Output Indicator:

PSO 03 - Investments in health care, family-based and community-based care services, Measurement unit: investments

Programme Result Indicator:

PSR 03 - Annual users of the supported investments in health care, family-based and community-based care services, Measurement unit: users/year

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Romania Serbia

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-09-26

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

32 / 32 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

91 / 91 (100%)

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Promoting resilience of health systems and equal access to skin and liver care through RORS screening and treatment solutions

Description

Thematic information

Partners (2)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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