Collective

In October 2015, a devastating fire erupts at the Colectiv club in Bucharest, Romania, killing 27 people instantly and injuring 180. The event exposes severe issues with fire safety regulations including the lack of proper fire exits, igniting public outrage. The tragedy becomes a catalyst for protests against corruption and governmental negligence.

Mass protests erupt across Romania, demanding accountability for the disaster and exposing systemic corruption. The protests pressure the government to resign, forcing the Social Democratic administration to step down. A temporary technocratic government is installed to oversee the country until the next elections.

Over the subsequent months, 37 more victims succumb to their injuries in hospitals, raising questions about medical care and hospital management. Hospitals claim that all necessary measures are being taken, but reports of errors and poor care suggest otherwise. The public's outrage deepens with each avoidable death.

Local journalists from the Sports Gazette begin investigating the hospitals' handling of burn victims. They uncover that many patients die from bacterial infections, and suspect improper use of disinfectants. Evidence suggests that hospitals may be using diluted disinfectants, compromising patient safety.

Laboratory tests reveal that disinfectants supplied by Hexi Pharma are diluted to only ten percent of their intended potency. The media exposes the falsification, implicating the company and indicating governmental inaction despite available evidence. The scandal sparks national outrage over healthcare corruption.

The Ministry of Health holds a press conference asserting that the disinfectants are 95% effective, dismissing reports of dilution as unsubstantiated and claiming that all patients are safe. The Minister dodges questions about conflicting test results, fueling public suspicion of governmental deceit.

Journalist Catalin Tolontan uncovers documents from a source that details the long-standing knowledge of the bacterial infection issues. The health minister resigns amidst mounting pressure, leaving without taking questions, as police launch investigations into Hexi Pharma's operations.

Hexi Pharma's CEO, Dan Condrea, dies in a mysterious car crash just before he can be questioned. Authorities and the media speculate whether it was an accident, murder, or suicide, fearing Condrea may have revealed government corruption and bribes involving the company.

Vlad, a former patient rights activist, becomes Romania’s interim Minister of Health. He pledges to fight corruption, implement stricter regulations, and bring transparency to hospital management. He begins efforts to remove compromised hospital managers and probe systemic issues.

The Gazette uncovers evidence of hospital managers creating fake invoices, misappropriating funds, and even building clinics abroad. An audio recording of abusive hospital staff highlights systemic corruption. These findings confirm widespread mismanagement, undermining public trust.

Vlad pushes through strict policies for hospital administrators, aiming to root out corruption. He advocates for transparency, including restrictions on political affiliations and establishing whistleblower protections. His reforms face intense opposition from entrenched interests.

Vlad learns that some hospitals faked transplant accreditation under political pressure. He announces plans to send transplant patients abroad and exposes these falsifications publicly, provoking controversy about the quality and safety of Romanian healthcare.

In the upcoming elections, voter turnout remains low, and the social democrats secure a sweeping victory, reinstating the old corrupt regime. Vlad’s father criticizes his efforts, telling him to leave Romania, reflecting the entrenched political barriers against reform.

Journalists face threats from organized crime figures warning them to be cautious. The mayor appoints an unqualified hospital manager, demonstrating ongoing systemic decay. Victims' families continue mourning, symbolizing the unresolved trauma and corruption.