Unaffiliated MP Ruxanda Glavan, a member of the commission on social protection, health and family, considers the vaccination against the novel coronavirus should be free both at public and private institutions, but should not be mandatory. A real campaign to misinform about immunization in general has been conducted during the last few years. As a result, an atmosphere of distrust appeared and this worsened in the recent past.
In IPN’s public debate “Vaccination: paid or free, voluntary or mandatory, with or without a choice?”, the ex-minister of health said the people do not trust the vaccines because they do not document themselves from reliable sources. Vaccination cannot be mandatory. The people should be motivated and informed so that they realize the necessity and usefulness of immunization.
According to Ruxanda Glavan, no one can remain outside the health system. When it goes to the state of public health emergency, the responsibility of the state is to ensure the citizen’s access to medical assistance. It goes not only to the vaccination process that should be gratis, but also to high-quality testing and treatment for those with COVID-19.
The families in the recent past have experienced pressure and not only from the viewpoint of health, but also from economic viewpoint. Therefore, the state should make sure that immunization at private health facilities is also free. The state should also identify financial possibilities to purchase the necessary vaccines and to provide the population with them swiftly.
Ruxanda Glavan noted it’s good that the health workers are being vaccinated as they are those who save lives. But additional measures should be taken to prevent the spread of infection by testing and efficient treatment. As many people as possible should be immunized during a short period of time or the vaccinating process will be inefficient and the number of serious cases will rise. As a result, the pressure on the health system will grow.
As to the people’s wish to be able to choose the vaccine they want, Ruxanda Glavan said no one can deprive the citizens of this right. However, as there is only one vaccine available at the moment, the people should be encouraged to accept it. The doctors should infirm the patients about the eventual contraindications or side effects.
As to the national vaccination plan, she stated that this should be flexible and should be monitored periodically, by assessing the results. As regards the categories that are to be immunized at the three vaccination stages, the ex-minister said these are similar to those in other states, given the risks. Evidently, if Moldova manages to obtain 500,000 doses of vaccine during the next few weeks, this plan should be reviewed by extending the categories.
The public debate “Vaccination: paid or free, voluntary or mandatory, with or without a choice?” is the 176th installment of IPN’s project “Developing Political Culture through Public Debates” that is supported by the Hanns Siedel Foundation.
