Romanians Vaccinated Before 2000 Developed Immunity Against Poliomyelitis
Experts say the two cases of poliomyelitis in Ukraine and the possibility of refugees spreading the polio virus are not a threat for Romania, as long as Romanians have been vaccinated against the disease.
Poliomyelitis has been eradicated from Europe ever since 2002, but Ukraine has recently witnessed two cases and the wave of refugees from Syria is fueling the danger of spreading the wild polio virus, including in Romania.
Poliovirus is usually spread from person to person through infected feces entering the mouth. It may also be spread by food or water containing human feces and less commonly from infected saliva. Those who are infected may spread the disease even if no symptoms are present for up to six weeks. The disease may be diagnosed by finding the virus in the feces or detecting antibodies against it in the blood. The disease is preventable with the polio vaccine; however, a number of doses are required for it to be effective. (Evenimentul Zilei)
Family Doctors Refuse To See Patients Without Health Cards
One week after the national health cards became mandatory, family physicians refuse to see patients who do not have health cards.
Family doctors agree to see these patients only in emergency cases, but they refuse to provide referrals to specialists or compensated or free medicines.
All Romanians insured in the public healthcare system are required to use their national health cards when soliciting medical services as of September 1. Authorities said the use of the health card becomes mandatory after months of delays and called on the 300,000 people who have not picked up their cards to do so. (Adevarul)
Banks In Romania Offer Cheaper Loans To Keep Their Clients
Credit institutions in Romania have started to provide loans with lower interest rates and fees in order to keep their clients.
Lenders Banca Comerciala Romana (BCR) and Banca Transilvania have launched interesting programs on the lending segment, while Greek-held banks or newly founded banks cancelled a series of fees for bank cards.
For instance, BCR has recently unveiled a campaign aimed at cutting costs for clients with guaranteed loans. (Evenimentul Zilei)
President Iohannis Signs New Tax Code Into Law
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis on Monday signed the new Tax Code into law, adding he is very satisfied with the development of the public debate, including debates between parties, and the final vote in the Parliament.
Romania’s lower house of Parliament on Thursday adopted the country’s new tax code, which lowers the general value-added tax rate, eliminates extra excises and lowers taxes on dividends. The bill was adopted with 279 votes in favor, eight against and five abstentions.
The tax code was also adopted by the Senate earlier this week.
Under the new tax code, Romania will cut its value added tax rate from the current level of 24% to 20% as of January next year and further to 19% as of 2017. It also eliminates a tax on special constructions as of 2017, lowers taxes on dividends from 16% to 5%, and eliminates an extra charge on fuel excises. (Adevarul)
Liberals May Endorse Candidate For Bucharest Mayor From Outside The Party
After Bucharest mayor Sorin Oprescu was placed under preventive arrest, liberals announced they may endorse a candidate for the mayor seat from outside their party.
The Bucharest Court ruled Sunday night to place Oprescu under preventive arrest for 30 days on charges of taking bribe. The court ruling is not definitive and may be appealed with the Bucharest Appeals Court.
Oprescu was detained by anticorruption prosecutors Saturday night after being caught receiving a EUR25,000 bribe he had allegedly demanded from people who became informants for prosecutors. According to prosecutors, Oprescu received the money through the head of an institution within the Bucharest City Hall.
Prosecutors said Oprescu was part of a group of civil servants working in Bucharest public administration who granted public works contracts to companies in exchange for receiving some of the profits back as bribes. (Puterea)