The Economic Burden of Chronic Wounds on Global Healthcare Systems

Abstract Chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, pressure sores, and venous leg ulcers, represent a significant and growing challenge for global healthcare systems—not only due to their clinical complexity but also because of their profound economic implications. This paper investigates the direct and indirect costs associated with chronic wound management, emphasizing the disproportionate resource burden they place on health services, particularly in aging populations and individuals with comorbidities. By integrating global statistics with focused case studies from Romania, the analysis reveals that while wound dressings comprise a small portion of care expenses, the majority of costs stem from hospital stays, nursing care, and treatment of infections. The paper further explores the societal costs of productivity loss and welfare dependence, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Additionally, it examines the role of modern wound therapies—such as negative pressure systems and antimicrobial dressings—as well as AI-driven tools in improving clinical outcomes and enabling cost-effective care delivery. The Romanian healthcare context is analyzed as a case study to illustrate disparities in cost allocation and access to advanced treatments. Policy recommendations underscore the importance of early intervention, multidisciplinary management, and adoption of emerging technologies to ensure sustainable and equitable care models for chronic wound patients globally.