Alexandru Rogobete proposes to offset the debt to Pfizer by purchasing other medications, instead of COVID vaccines.

The Minister of Health, Alexandru Rogobete, has proposed a scenario for settling the debt of approximately 600 million euros that Romania owes to Pfizer, following the loss of the lawsuit regarding COVID vaccines. He suggests that, instead of a direct payment or taking over unused vaccines, the state should negotiate with the pharmaceutical company to receive other products or medications in lieu of the owed amount.

The idea is still at the scenario level and is part of discussions between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance, with the aim of reducing the impact on the state budget. The minister emphasized that the institution currently does not have the necessary funds to pay the debt and is looking for alternative solutions.

The debt arises from contracts signed during the pandemic for vaccines that were not delivered or used, and the court's decision obliges Romania to pay the amount, even though the lawsuit is not final.