The basic package would be available only to people with insurance, while the social service package would be destined for vulnerable categories. The other proposed packages, one of which would entail large costs and cover few people, will need to be discussed with the Labor Ministry and Finance Ministry.
The minister said there are some discounted drugs that cost a patient less than 10 lei (around EUR2) per month, but cost the budget RON1.7 billion (EUR382 million), so the Government must decide whether to distribute healthcare resources equally or focus on insuring against major risks.
He also said that the proposals for senior citizens and people with very low income are either a social healthcare package or raising healthcare contributions, but this decision too must be taken by the Government.
The new healthcare bill will be made available for public debate later in the week, with suggestions expected until the end of August.
The conference Mediafax talks about Health Reform was organized by Mediafax in cooperation with the Health Ministry and Alico Asigurari Romania SA, with sponsors including Sanofi, Boehringer Ingelheim and Oxigen Plus, and with the support of NGO Alianta pentru Sanatate din Romania (Romanian Healthcare Alliance).