The price of generic drugs issued by prescription will gradually drop by 35% in the next three years, according to a Government decision.

In the first stage, the price will be reduced by 10% starting March 1, 2017, reports local Mediafax. The next cut of 10% will be carried out in 2018. The prices will then be reduced by another 15% over three years.

The gradual reduction is aimed at avoiding a drug crisis, said the Health Minister Vlad Voiculescu.

“We need to decide if we want drugs in pharmacies and hospitals, or only on paper,” he added.

“The drugs that get out of the patent will be cheap.”

The measure will apply only to prescription-based drugs.

editor@romania-insider.com