Emil Cheban
According to the minister, implementing this measure would lead to a significant increase in hospital expenses, and hospitals simply would not be able to cope with the new financial pressure. Emil Cheban explained that the decision to reject the initiative was made following a thorough analysis, outlined in an official seven-page response prepared in collaboration with state secretaries and relevant departments of the ministry.
“This reform will destroy the healthcare system. It will practically trigger a chain reaction of price increases, including higher prices for medications and supplies. Hospitals won’t be able to cope. We are facing very, very, very significant risks. Over the past few days, we have held discussions both with the state secretaries and within the ministry. Today, we prepared a well-reasoned, seven-page conclusion and, of course, issued a negative review. Such measures are appropriate and have a future in developed countries with strong economies. Of course, we all want as much tax revenue as possible to be collected and for these funds to be directed toward social services, healthcare, and all essential needs. But today, the Republic of Moldova is not ready for this. The healthcare system is currently extremely vulnerable,” the minister stated on Radio Moldova.
Social Consequences of the Reform
According to him, the introduction of a new value-added tax could directly hinder programs to expand the list of reimbursable medications and provide key medical services, including primary care, maternal and child health, gynecology, and cancer screening.
In addition, Emil Ceban noted that the additional fiscal pressure jeopardizes the ministry’s plans to further increase salaries for medical personnel. This process has been continuously funded by the budget of the National Health Insurance Company (CNAM) since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Measure seven times…”
Earlier, CNAM Director General Ion Dodon stated in an interview with Logos Press that the issue of imposing VAT on medications must be approached with the utmost caution:
“It is important that the healthcare sector not suffer. We need to develop this sector to reach European standards. I am sure no one intends to cause harm, but we must be mindful of the risks. Undoubtedly, when it comes to VAT on medicines, the utmost caution is required. Here, we must strictly follow the principle: ‘Measure seven times, cut once.’”
