Interferon-Free Treatment For Hepatitis C Included On List Of Compensated And Free Drugs
The Romanian Government decided Tuesday 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.
Patients with hepatitis C and cirrhosis in Romania may request vouchers, starting October 26, enabling them to undergo free medical tests needed to draw up the files for the approval of interferon-free treatment, according to the National Health Insurance House (CNAS).
CNAS representatives said the vouchers will be sent to medical specialists who are in charge of the prescription of treatment and patient monitoring in centers in Bucharest, Cluj, Constanta, Craiova, Iasi, Sibiu, Targu Mures, Timisoara and Oradea. (Puterea)
Romania To Amend Family Medicine Law
Family physicians in Romania might be able to conclude medical services contract with the National Health Insurance House (CNAS) regardless of the number of patients registered on their lists, according to a draft of the new frame contract for the provision of medical assistance in 2016 – 2017.
CNAS president Vasile Ciurchea said the draft will be up for public debate and medical services providers are expected to come up with propositions to serves the best interests of patients.
As per the draft, family physicians can conclude medical services contract with health insurance houses regardless of the number of insured people registered on their lists. Currently, the maximum number is 800 insured patients registered in urban areas, while for rural areas, the number is set according to the administrative-territorial units/urban areas, by a commission formed of representatives of health insurance houses, of public healthcare departments, of physicians’ regional colleges and of the county professional association of family physicians. (Adevarul)
Romanian President Reserved Country Could Secure New IMF Loan Agreement
Romania’s president believes there are serious reservations that Romania meets conditions to benefit from a flexible credit line agreement with the International Monetary Fund, the president’s office said in a press release Tuesday following talks between the head of state and IMF officials.
According to the release, president Klaus Iohannis said he is concerned about vulnerabilities that may affect the country’s fiscal and budget framework.
A delegation of the IMF is in Romania to discuss the country’s state budget structure for next year, following a precautionary agreement that expired in September. Romania met its economic indicator goals but has missed structural reform targets under the agreement.
Romania’s government said late September the country will seek a new, more flexible agreement with the IMF, focusing on implementing structural reforms rather than reigning in the budget deficit. The country’s central bank also said it supports a new agreement, which would lend credibility to the country. (Puterea)
Agriculture Ministry To Receive Over RON1B At Planned Budget Revision
The Agriculture Ministry will receive over RON1 billion, at the planned budget revision, of which RON640 million for farmers affected by drought and RON106 million for diesel subsidies.
The remaining amount comes from reallocating certain funds earmarked for other ministries at the previous budget revision.
Agriculture Minister Daniel Constantin said the farmers affected by drought will receive a total RON640 million in compensations and payments are likely to be made starting mid-December.
Prime Minister Victor Ponta said Monday that his Cabinet will convene Friday, October 23, for talks on the budget revision. According to Ponta, the Executive will have to make strategic decisions regarding the budget revision. (Adevarul)
Hungarian Minority Party To Challenge Postal Voting Bill At Constitutional Court
The Hungarian minority party UDMR said it will challenge the postal voting bill at the Constitutional Court.
UDMR leader Kelemen Hunor said he will talk to lawmakers from other parties in order to raise the signatures necessary to contest the bill at the Constitutional Court.
On Monday, senators adopted the postal voting bill with 117 votes in favour and ten votes against. UDMR lawmakers and Senate Chairman Calin Popescu Tariceanu voted against the bill. The Chamber of Deputies is decider on the matter.
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)