The state health control will be carried out by a single authority, National Public Health Agency. A decision in this regard was taken at a today’s cabinet meeting, the government’s communication and protocol department has reported.

Thus, the duties currently held by the National Public Health Centre, National Health Insurance Company, Transplant Agency, Medicines and Medical Devices Agency and Standing Committee on Drugs Control will be taken over by the new institution. It is part of the government’s actions to reduce the pressure on the business environment and supports entrepreneurs who want to work in the health sector.

The National Public Health Agency will be responsible for overseeing several areas, including public health, occupational safety, quality of medicines, para-pharmaceutical products and their circulation. The institution will also control medical devices, including their radiological and nuclear safety, services provided by medical institutions and circulation of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors.

At the same time, the institution will ensure the respect of consumer rights in health. These duties are now exercised by the National Food Safety Agency and Agency for Consumer Protection.

Another amendment approved by the government sees the exclusion of concept of state health physician, a position currently held by deputy health minister. This would reduce the possibility for people with political functions to intervene in the decisions taken as a result of state control.

Referring to this issue, Prime Minister Pavel Filip reiterated that the current system is outdated and its restructuring is necessary for the beneficiaries. “I want to mention that the public health system is the most important in the health sector, because we are talking about preventing and elaborating policies to prevent people’s illness”, Filip said.

The draft law is to be submitted to the parliament for consideration.