Three percent of Romanians take antibiotics daily, said Health Minister Vlad Voiculescu.

Moreover, the antibiotics consumption in Romania is 70% higher compared to the European average, he added.

“Unfortunately, we have reached number one in Europe in the consumption of antibiotics,” the minister said at a conference organised by local News.ro.

According to Voiculescu, Romania had an advantage from the Communist period, when the access to antibiotics was limited. This situation has led to a limited resistance to these pills.

However, in recent years the situation has reversed. The factors which have contributed to an excessive consumption of antibiotics included the poor control mechanisms in hospitals, or the population’s general education.

He added that the Health Minister would start a campaign to educate the population on the consumption of antibiotics.

Vlad Voiculescu said that if Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos remains in office after the parliamentary elections and asks him to continue what he has started in the healthcare system, he will certainly accept.

editor@romania-insider.com