Romanian Health Minister Alexandru Rogobete announced that by banning fictitious medical leave, the state has saved about 1.5 billion lei per year. Between July and December, the average monthly savings were 120 million lei, allowing the government to introduce 41 new reimbursed medicines that had been delayed for up to two and a half years. The first unpaid day of medical leave will take effect from 1 February, affecting only non‑chronic patients. Rogobete said that the issue is not unique to Romania; Spain, Belgium and Portugal already have similar rules. Several doctors have already been sanctioned for issuing fake leave certificates.
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