Romania Combating Cancer
On January 19, 2022, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis announced the National Plan to Combat Cancer – a “long-awaited, coherent strategy to fight this dreaded illness”. The strategy, a necessary first step to access the EUR 4 billion budget allocated for actions addressing cancer, outlines multiple approaches – all of which offer immediate opportunities for U.S. healthcare services and equipment suppliers to bring their innovative and market-tested ideas and products to support this healthcare sector priority over the next three to four years and beyond.
For prevention and early diagnosis, the plan calls for implementation of national screening programs for certain types of cancer, which are expected to be fully operational in 2023. It also establishes criteria for genetic testing coverage and sets a 2024 deadline for establishing a National Cancer Registry. For treatment, the plan provides for a special fund of health innovation to provide access to the latest treatments and outlines solutions for funding palliative care for cancer patients – both expected in 2023-26 timeframe. Further details and implementing plans will be released by the Romanian government in conjunction with World Cancer Day – February 4, 2022. #CloseTheCareGap.
The National Plan to Combat Cancer is available (in Romanian) here. Relevant EU guidelines and funding programs include Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, the EU4Health program, Horizon Europe and the Digital Europe program.
On March 22-23, 2022 Romania will take part in a Medical Technologies Virtual Product Pitch focused on innovative oncology and cardiovascular devices. U.S. companies will present their products directly to industry contacts in seven markets simultaneously: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Turkey, and Ukraine. For questions or to register, contact: cindy.ma@trade.gov or bernadette.stewart@trade.gov.
The Commercial Service in Romania is well positioned to help U.S. companies that can deliver cancer-specific healthcare solutions to support the National Plan. For further information, market intelligence and direct opportunities, contact Monica.Bogodai@trade.gov.