The minimally invasive surgery for congenital heart defects in pediatric patients will be funded by the state-run National Health Insurance Company. The first operations could be financed this year. The Company is considering possibilities of allocating money for the purpose. The announcement was made by Minister of Health Ruxanda Glavan, IPN reports.
In a press release, the Ministry of Health says the small patients will be treated with state support in national health facilities where there are specialists and conditions for performing minimally invasive surgery. Owing to a project implemented by a team of doctors from the country and abroad, 33 children benefitted from free modern treatment. However, the number of patients who need minimally invasive surgery is big. According to statistics of the Mother and Child Institute, surgery is indicated for about 30% of the children with congenital heart defects.
Pediatric heart surgery ensures the success of the treatment in over 95% of the cases and hasty recovery. An operation costs about 90,000 lei. Over 400 children are born with congenital heart defects annually.