The spending from the Mandatory Health Insurance Fund (FOAM) on medicines and medical devices increased by 20% in 2023. In the first nine months of the year alone, 671 million lei was allocated for the purpose, Minister of Health Ala Nemerenco stated in a conference held to sum up the results of the year. For next year, these investments are expected to grow by at least another 20%, IPN reports.
Seven new international nonpropriety names of drugs for cardiovascular, ophthalmological, oncological diseases, psoriasis were partially or fully compensated. For cystic fibrosis, which is a rare genetic disease, the compensated drug preparation Dornaza alfa, along with the nebulizer, was included in the list. The preparation should be used by inhalation daily and implies costs of over 100,000 lei per year for a patient.
People with glaucoma had free access to three new drugs and eye drops were fully compensated. Adults and children have access to palliative care in outpatient conditions, but also access to an essential medicine – ibuprofen.
Free access was also offered to another blood glucose test and lancet. Currently, people suffering from diabetes in the pharmacy can choose from among 11 models of tests and 8 models of lancets, which are all compensated.
Patients have free access to a high-performance model of intestinal and urinary stomas. The device last year was 50% compensated.
People with diabetes also benefit not only from blood glucose tests, but also from needles, syringes, and an insulin administration device, which was fully compensated this year. Also, one more type of tests for measuring blood glucose was included in the list of compensated devices.
Also, from January 1, 2024, about 2,500 women receiving breast cancer treatment will be able to pick up two essential cancer preparations free of charge from the pharmacy near their home.
