Nearly a thousand
cases of flu reported per week, overcrowded pediatric hospitals and drug stores
running short on key supplies – this is what the start of the flu season looks
like in Romania. This is the first winter after the COVID-19 pandemic when
health safety restrictions are lifted. As medics had expected, a wave of
respiratory infections, some of them with complications, has been reported this
month, affecting children in particular. The number of people reporting
symptoms has gone up alarmingly in recent weeks, and patients sometimes wait
for hours in emergency wards or in family physician practices before getting a
consultation.
At the same time, the number of children requiring admission due
to complications has also gone up, doctors say. In this context, earlier this
month, the Health Ministry announced the setup of 59 centers for medical evaluation
of children with respiratory infections, a measure designed to facilitate
children’s access to medical assistance and to reduce waiting times in emergency
wards. In turn, pharmacists say they have run out of anti-inflammatory drugs
and antipyretics, which are demanded particularly for treating children. The
Association of Industrial Producers of Medicine in Romania has confirmed that
the use of ibuprofen-based drugs and paracetamol has gone up by 50% compared to
2021. The same employers’ association says that drug stores are however
equipped with alternatives to the best-known medicine brands, arguing the
problem is likely to be solved early next year, when approximately 200 thousand
such pain relief drugs, made in both Romania and abroad, are expected to
arrive. Health Minister Alexandru Rafila says the situation is the same in
other countries and is a consequence of growing drug consumption. The Minister
recalls, however, that the authorities have presented alternatives to the
best-known medicine that are currently unavailable. Furthermore, drug shelves
are empty also due to mispricing, the Health Minister argued, adding that a new
methodology for setting prices is now being considered, in addition to possibly
introducing a temporary restriction on exporting certain drugs.
Over the coming
period we will consult with the National Health Insurance Agency in terms of
introducing a new methodology for setting prices, which should prevent drugs
from becoming unavailable due to commercial reasons. We are also examining the
possibility of restricting the export of certain drugs, particularly
antibiotics for children and other types of medicine, including oncology
drugs.
Doctors say the best
ways to prevent seasonal flu include taking the anti-flu vaccine, observing
hygiene regulations and avoiding crowded areas. Moreover, authorities say, the
new anti-COVID serum adapted to combat the Omicron strains of the virus is also
available on the market. (VP)
