Is corruption in medicine affecting the right to life and health? Treatment of oncology patients.

Participants to the broadcast: Galina Bostan, Director of the non-governmental organization Centre for Analysis and Prevention of Corruption (CAPC); Sergiu Busmachiu, Chief Inspector of the General Directorate for Combating Economic Crime of the Centre for Combating Economic Crime and Corruption (CCECC); Victor Iftodi, deputy director of the Oncology Institute, PhD, Medical Doctor.

QUESTIONS:

1. What is corruption in medicine and what are its consequences on patients?

2. Here is a message, which was sent to the e-mail addresses of the Centre for Analysis and Prevention of Corruption and of the Centre for Combating Economic Crime and Corruption:

„Good afternoon, if it can be considered „good”, when a young man (46 year-old) is now dying in one of the wards of the Oncology Institute, not only because of Cancer, but also because of brutality of certain doctors who were waiting to be bribed next to the ward. They wait for the relatives to „donate” them some money. A few medical assistants (not to say that all of them) also look forward to have Lei thrown in their „aprons” for a certain pain-relief injection etc. etc. I won’t say, God is Mighty and the person is in His hands, but such kind of attitude is not acceptable on behalf of the personnel. This fact is not only disastrous and shameful for a doctor, but also dangerous for the patient. Only a butcher can (with all the respect to a butcher) behave in the way that certain doctors of this Institution behave. Is it really possible that even in such an Institution they cannot find a remedy for those with their “hand stretched out in expectation”. Is it possible that such a dangerous phenomenon as corruption is not eradicated? Is it possible that even the management is not able to keep under control such brutal actions? It is a desperate cry, knowing that no one will answer these questions. I know even the reasons for the missing answer. I know that I’m loosing time writing this letter. I know that it will be thrown into the bin. But God is a witness – who will neglect this letter will suffer much, much, much. And not because of a curse, I never cursed anybody. But because of a Universal Law: „Those who sow wind – harvest storm”. I can’t even tell you „Goodbye” because I don’t think that we will see each other some time, at least I hope so. Lidia”
How can you comment it?

3. Oncology patients are insured by the State. Does the insurance policy fully cover the treatment of oncology patients?

4. What are the reasons of existence of corruption in this important sector of medicine, oncology?

5. Has the Centre for Combating Economic Crime and Corruption identified certain cases of suing corrupt doctors?

6. What should one do if a doctor claims money for treatment?