A journalist’s reaction after Minister Rogobete’s statements regarding the availability of an oncology medication: “I offered to give him money so he could get me a box from Bucharest as well. I’m waiting”

Health Minister Alexandru Rogobete rejected journalist Liliana Ruse’s claim that the medicine Lyrica had “disappeared from the market,” specifying that in Romania there are over 2.35 million units of this medicine and its generic alternatives. 

The minister’s reaction came after the Digi24 journalist wrote on Facebook on Sunday that she could no longer find Lyrica or its generic versions. Liliana Ruse explained that she uses the medicine for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy and complained about the difficulties faced by patients who depend on this treatment.

“Lyrica helps me use my hands and feet, which are numb because of chemotherapy. The generic versions cannot be found either. I won’t even mention what the lack of antidepressants means for patients with psychiatric problems,” the journalist said.

Rogobete acknowledged that there may be situations in which a particular product is not immediately available at a pharmacy, but argued that this does not mean the medicine has disappeared from the national market.

Following the minister’s statement, Liliana Ruse responded ironically, saying that she was being made “practically crazy” and that she was waiting for him to find her a box in Bucharest.