The Minister of Health, Emil Ceban, criticizes the intention of the Ministry of Finance to increase the VAT on medicines from 8% to 20%, a measure included in the fiscal policy project for the year 2027. The official argues that the reform could have serious effects on the medical system and could generate a chain of price increases for medicines and medical supplies, reports IPN.
Emil Ceban stated that the Ministry of Health has analyzed the budget-fiscal policy project and issued a negative opinion. According to the official, the VAT increase will put additional pressure on medical institutions.
“This reform will destroy the healthcare system. This reform will generate chain price increases, including for medicines and consumables. Hospitals will not cope. We have very high risks. I have studied this document very thoroughly, I have discussed it with state secretaries and ministry employees, I have based an opinion on seven sheets. And it is negative,” explained the Minister of Health during the “360 Degrees” show on Radio Moldova.
According to him, the health system in the Republic of Moldova remains vulnerable and that the population will directly feel the effects of a possible increase in drug prices.
“Of course, we want as many taxes as possible and to use these taxes in the social and medical fields. But today, the Republic of Moldova is not ready for this. The health system is a vulnerable system. The health system has a lot of sick population, who do not work, and this reform will generate a chain of price increases. We will need much more money to cover these price increases,” said Emil Ceban.
The fiscal policy project for the year 2027 envisages the standardization of VAT rates by eliminating several currently applied reduced rates. In this context, the reduced rate of 8% for medicines is expected to be increased to the standard level of 20%.
