The commission for conferring the National Award chose the 13 winners of the contest. Six of the awards will go to health professionals, who showed examples of competence in the fight against COVID-19. Five of the awards will be conferred on people of culture and by one award will go in the field of science and education, IPN reports.

According to the Government’s press service, the commission examined the files of 34 candidates who took part in the contest. Thirteen of the competitors gained the necessary number of votes.

Earlier, Prime Minister Ion Chicu, who chairs the commission, proposed extending the number of laureates of the National Award in healthcare this year, given that the pandemic crisis generated tensions on the health system and medical staff.

In accordance with the regulations, the commission held a secret ballot. The list of winners is to be approved in the next meeting of the Cabinet.

The National Award in the amount of 100,000 lei is annually provided by the Government in gratitude for results that substantially contributed to promoting the country’s image abroad and had a considerable impact on scientific progress.