The Foundation For The Defense Of Citizens Against Citizens Against State Abuses (FACIAS) has expressed concerns regarding the situation of patients diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). With a reported 1.5 million Romanians affected, this serious condition continues to be a significant cause of mortality, with official data indicating over 13,000 deaths in the last three years. FACIAS is campaigning to guarantee equitable access to treatment and to reduce the financial burden borne by patients for an irreversible disease.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide. However, the Romanian state only compensates patients for 50% of the cost of treatment, while the monthly expenditure for medication varies between 200 and 1,500 lei, or even more. This policy of under-compensation has severe consequences for patients, especially those on low incomes, who cannot afford to follow the full course of treatment, leading to a worsening of their health.
It is a matter of concern that the number of patients under observation continues to rise, with the current figure exceeding 506,000. This trend is of particular concern given the absence of concrete measures implemented by the Ministry of Health and the National Health Insurance House (CNAS) to support these individuals.
The Ministry of Health has confirmed that Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is not included in the national public health programmes. The responsibility for reassessing the level of compensation for specific treatments therefore lies with the National Agency for Medicines (ANMDMR). In the absence of dedicated programmes and a national strategy, patients remain without support, despite the considerable funds available in the social health insurance system. While a 90% compensation policy for certain List B medicines exists for pensioners with incomes up to 2,020 lei, this support is inadequate and unaffordable for COPD patients. Consequently, life-saving treatments remain out of reach for this demographic.
The official statistics show an alarming increase in the number of cases, according to data provided by the National Institute of Public Health at the request of FACIAS:
- In 2021: 34 386 new cases and 4 804 deaths.
- In 2022: 34 497 new cases and 4 486 deaths.
- In 2023: 39 248 new cases and 4 186 deaths.
FACIAS calls on the authorities:
- Increase the level of compensation to 100% for all medicines needed to treat COPD patients.
- Include COPD in national public health programs to ensure access to curative and preventive treatments.
- Transparency and accountability from the Ministry of Health and CNAS in the use of funds collected from social security contributions.