Raed Arafat, born in Damascus in 1964 to a Palestinian couple from Nablus, arrived in Romania in 1981 to pursue a career in medicine. He established himself as an intensive care physician and anesthesiologist, later becoming a central figure in the administration of the Romanian healthcare and emergency management systems through various government roles.
Medical Education and Early Training
Arafat began his path in medicine by taking language classes in Pitești before enrolling at the Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj-Napoca. He later specialized in anesthesiology at the Târgu Mureș University of Medicine. His professional development included specialized training courses completed with the Paris Fire Brigade, the United States National Guard, and the Norwegian Air Ambulance.
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In 2007, Arafat began working as an Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Health, focusing on the development of emergency medical care. He served as the Minister of Health of Romania briefly between November 7 and December 21, 2012. Following this period, he returned to the Ministry of Health as a State Secretary. In 2014, he accepted the position of Secretary of State at the Ministry of Internal Affairs to lead the Department for Emergency Situations, where he oversees fire and rescue services, civil protection, and prehospital medical responses.
Recognitions and Linguistic Abilities
Arafat has received multiple honors throughout his career. These include the Commander of the Order of the Lion of Finland, the Grand Officer of the Order of the Star of Italy, and the Royal Decoration of Nihil Sine Deo. He holds the titles of Knight of the Legion of Honour, Knight of the National Order of Merit, and Officer of the National Order of Merit, alongside the Order of Honour. He is fluent in French, English, Romanian, Greek, and Arabic.
Fast facts
- Born: 1964, Damascus
- Citizenship: Romania
- Religion: Islam
- Education: Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy
- Served as Minister of Health: 2012
Questions readers ask
What is Raed Arafat's primary medical specialization?
He is an intensive care physician specialized in anesthesiology.
Which government department does he currently lead?
He serves as Secretary of State at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, heading the Department for Emergency Situations.
Achievements
- Order of Honour
- Knight of the Legion of Honour
- Knight of the National Order of Merit
- Officer of the National Order of Merit
- Commander of the Order of the Lion of Finland — 2017
