Rogobete: It is time for Romania to invest strategically in domestic drug production

Romania’s Minister of Health, Alexandru Rogobete, stated at the Informal Meeting of European Health Ministers, held in Copenhagen under the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, that Romania must build a strong and competitive pharmaceutical industry capable of producing medicines and medical biotechnologies locally.

“Romania needs a solid pharmaceutical industry, able to reduce dependence on imports and provide patients with fast and safe solutions. It is time to invest strategically in domestic drug production and in biotechnologies,” the minister emphasized.

The main topics addressed at the European level focused on improving access to medicines and innovative therapies, reducing inequalities among member states, and strengthening the European pharmaceutical industry. In this context, Rogobete also underlined the importance of developing Romania’s hospital infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on major investments in emergency response capacity.

According to the minister, through the Horizon Europe 2026–2027 program, Romania could access up to €200 million for pharmaceutical innovation and development. “These funds can be directed towards concrete projects with a direct impact on patients and on the national economy,” Rogobete explained.

He further noted that implementing this strategy would help shorten treatment waiting times, ensure quicker access to innovative medicines, and strengthen hospitals’ ability to respond to crisis situations.

“Romania now has the opportunity to become an active player in the European pharmaceutical industry, to develop modern production capacities, and to consolidate its position in regional cooperation networks. This is a path of trust and tangible results – for patients, for doctors, and for the economy,” Rogobete concluded.