On Monday, at the PSD regional meeting in Bacău, the Minister of Health criticized the statements “arrogant” according to which Romanians could give up their cars for one or two days without consequences. Alexandru Rogobete emphasized that, unlike the population, the medical system cannot afford such breaks, and the accelerated increase in fuel prices risks seriously affecting the operation of emergency services.
“If someone told us with some slight arrogance that we can leave the cars at home for a day or two, that nothing happens, I can tell you for sure that they cannot leave the ambulances in the garage for one or two days, because nothing happens”, said the Minister of Health, according to News.ro.
Alexandru Rogobete explained that ambulances, helicopters and medical planes depend on a constant consumption of fuel, and the increase in prices is already beginning to be felt in the budgets of health units. In his opinion, the delay in the economic measures announced by the Ministry of Energy will increase the pressure on the health system
The Minister of Health also recalled an episode in December, when he was asked to accept a 10% cut in the income of medical staff “overnight”. Alexandru Rogobete stated that the cuts were avoided thanks to the firm opposition in the coalition, mentioning the support of the PSD president, Sorin Grindeanu.
“Medicine is not done with empty hands”
Regarding the supply of medicines and consumables, Alexandru Rogobete stated that Romania is not currently facing a crisis, but the Ministry of Health is carefully monitoring stocks and possible price fluctuations, in the context of international signals.
“Medicine is not done with bare hands“, the minister emphasized, warning that fiscal and economic instability risks directly affecting the ability of the health system to function.
