Hepatitis C and B affect over 1.8 mln Romanians, access to free treatment still difficult

Over 1.8 million Romanians have Hepatitis B or C, a prevalence of 3.2 and 4 percent respectively. Hepatitis B affects more Romanians – over 1 million, according to doctor Florin Căruntu of the National Infectious Diseases Institute Matei Bals.

While in the past risk groups for contracting Hepatitis were those who had blood transfusions before 1990, with multiple admissions to hospitals and those from families with Hepatitis B cases, now other high risk categories are emerging - drug users, those who have piercings and those with multiple sexual partners, according to the Institute. Hepatitis C can be cured, while Hepatitis B can be kept under control. Treatment in Romania is free for those infected with these viruses, but the waiting lists are usually long, even though they have decreased in recent years. Waiting lists included 1,232 people infected with Hepatitis C and 1,019 with hepatitis B in June this year. The biggest decrease in waiting lists came for Hepatitis C – down from over 5,900 in 2009. Despite the free treatment, patients are reluctant to get treated. Sometimes doctor mentality is a factor that slows down the treatment process, as patients are discriminated against. Authorities say there are still local health insurance houses that do not send documentation to approve treatment, saying they don't have money, mainly those in the region of Moldova. As many as 19,700 cases came into the system and were processed in 2011, out of which 10 percent did not comply with the eligibility requirements. editor@romania-insider.com