Prime Minister Chiril Gaburici in the morning of February 21 visited the Oncology Institute and the Emergency Hospital in Chisinau to determine the situation as regards the available supplies of medicines. “It turned out that some of the medicines are absent, while the existing drugs are enough only for a week. I convened an emergency meeting with representatives of the competent institutions. We agreed a plan of action and will see what we can do with the suppliers as some of them do not fulfill their obligations,” stated the Premier, quoted by IPN.

Chiril Gaburici asked the Customs Service to become involved and establish the exact producer price of the imported drugs as they suspect irregularities. “We launched such actions today already. The Ministry of Health will discuss with the suppliers to make them obey their obligations,” he said.

He also said that they discussed the punishment of suppliers of drugs that do not obey the contractual obligations. “We will see what we can do as we cannot put people’s lives at risk. We will take a decision as regards the penalties within ten days. We agreed that the penalties should be much harsher than now,” stated Chiril Gaburici.

According to the Prime Minister, the medicines should be divided into two categories – essential and others. No profit margin could be put on the essential or vital ones.