New sweeping regulations for healthcare system in 2011

A new way of paying family doctors, budget guidelines for drug prescription, a 70% limit on hospital headcount expenses, the elimination of the exception allowing retail pharmacies to be opened in malls, these are some of the novelties of 2011 in the healthcare system.

Four days ahead of the yearend, the Health Ministry announced a new legislative package, probably the most comprehensive after April 2006, when the law on the healthcare sector reform, regulating the operation of the entire healthcare system, came into effect.
The moves stunned players because there was no indication authorities were working on such steps.
The new norms target family doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, as well as taxpayers, as pensioners with incomes topping 740 RON are to pay health contributions starting this year.
These also touch upon a less visible aspect, that of the structure and board members of the National Health Insurance House (CNAS).