New antibiotics are added to the free list for pediatric treatment

Health institutions are launching a large-scale initiative to improve pediatric care by introducing new broad-spectrum antibiotics. Three official statements have already been deposited with the National Council on Drug Prices and Reimbursement (NCDPR) and the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

The upcoming extraordinary meeting of the NCDPR on Friday, July 4, 2025, will thoroughly review the submitted proposals. Adhering to all legal requirements, the new medications will be included in the Positive Drug List.

NHIF's contractual partners - doctors and pharmacies - are expected to start the procedure for prescribing and dispensing free medications for the youngest patients at the beginning of next week. The officially approved list includes 117 diseases that are grounds for home treatment of acute respiratory infections in children up to 7 years old.

The NHIF Supervisory Board adopted the decision on June 26, 2025, based on management's proposal, and official publication in the State Gazette is pending. The Ministry of Health continues active work on expanding the medication list.

In parallel, discussions are ongoing with drug product traders who have the opportunity to submit additional applications for including new medications intended for free distribution to children up to 7 years old.