Only 5,000 Hepatitis C Patients In Romania Entitled To Interferon-Free Treatment
After months of negotiations with medicine producers, Romania’s National Health Insurance House (CNAS) announced in October that it will discount the new interferon-free therapy for patients with hepatitis C.
However, only 5,000 of the patients displaying severe symptoms (F4 fibrosis and cirrhosis) are entitled to these medicines. The others only have to sit and wait for their condition to worsen, hoping they will not die from other complications (liver cancer, liver failure or oesophageal varices), or to decide on their own treatment.
The interferon-free therapy is very expensive (over EUR40,000) in other European countries as well.
Mid-October, the Romanian Government decided to include some new molecules on the list of compensated and free medicines, among which the molecules for the interferon-free treatment of chronic hepatitis C and hepatic cirrhosis. (Jurnalul National)
Crude Oil Prices Hit Record Low
Crude oil prices reached a record low, but the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) can afford not to reduce oil production.
Economic analysts said it is good news for the Romanian economy, but we may also face some negative effects.
The average price of crude oil sold by the OPEC slipped below $40 a barrel for the first time since the financial crisis of 2009.
Economic analyst Aurelian Dochia said petroleum producing and exporting countries bear the brunt. For instance, Saudi Arabia could no longer handle the expenses and had to start borrowing. Russia’s economy was also affected and is still bearing the brunt.
“Romania produces 5 million tons annually and consumption exceeds production. Therefore, the plunge in crude oil prices is good new news for Romania. Pump prices should fall along with prices of other products,” said Dochia. (Romania Libera)
Liberals Pledge Loyalty To Ciolos Cabinet
Alina Gorghiu, co-president of the National Liberal Party (PNL), said Tuesday in Parliament, that liberals will be a loyal partner as regards the good measures to be taken by the new Government run by Dacian Ciolos.
Gorghiu added, however, that liberals will also be a harsh critic, if the case may be.
Ciolos’ proposed Cabinet of technocrats secured a confidence vote in Parliament Tuesday for a limited one-year term, until the country holds a general election end-2016.
Lawmakers voted 389 to 115 in favor of the proposed Cabinet and its governing program. (Romania Libera)
Romanian Technocratic Government Is Sworn In
Romanian Prime Minister-designate, Dacian Ciolos, and members of his technocratic government were sworn into office Tuesday evening, by President Klaus Iohannis, at the presidential palace.
Ciolos’ proposed Cabinet of technocrats secured a confidence vote in Parliament Tuesday for a limited one-year term, until the country holds a general election end-2016.
Lawmakers voted 389 to 115 in favor of the proposed Cabinet and its governing program.
In a speech in Parliament before the vote, Ciolos said the government’s main goals are sustainable economic growth, the drafting of a balanced state budget for next year, macroeconomic stability, an environment that encourages investment, increased EU fund absorption and job creation. (Puterea)
Constitutional Court Discusses Two Notifications On Postal Voting
The Constitutional Court will be discussing Wednesday two notifications regarding the postal voting bill, which were submitted by 30 senators and 50 deputies, respectively.
On October 19, senators adopted the postal voting bill with 117 votes in favor and ten votes against. UDMR lawmakers and Senate Chairman Calin Popescu Tariceanu voted against the bill. The Chamber of Deputies, which was decider on the matter, adopted the bill on October 28.
On November 3, ALDE said its lawmakers in the Senate, along with senators of UDMR, UNPR and PSD, as well as an independent senator, submitted a contestation at the Constitutional Court against the postal voting bill.
The bill targets Romanians who live abroad. Postal voting describes the method of voting in an election whereby ballot papers are distributed or returned by post to electors, in contrast to electors voting in person at a polling station or electronically via an electronic voting system. (Adevarul)