To date, the RT-PCR test is the most reliable and most commonly used test methodology for identifying COVID-19.

The public system does not meet the need for testing, so the private system is currently an essential component in identifying COVID-19.

NATIONAL AUTHORITY FOR CONSUMER PROTECTION

Considering the public information on the large price differences of RT-PCR testing services charged by private operators in Romania, respectively variations of up to 80% of the price, I addressed the National Authority for Consumer Protection ( ANPC) in order to clarify several aspects related to this testing performed in the private system.

ANPC informed me that the requested information belongs to the field of activity of the following institutions in Romania: the Ministry of Health, the National Institute of Statistics, the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations and the Competition Council (ANNEX 1).

Considering the provisions of art. 3 para. (1) lit. h, i, k, n and o of H.G. no. 700/2012 on consumer protection, we returned to the National Authority for Consumer Protection in order to obtain a concrete answer regarding the studies performed for the RT-PCR testing services, the notifications received regarding the RT-PCR testing services and the controls performed at the centers and RT-PCR testing service operators. This time too I did not manage to receive any information (ANNEX 3).

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STATISTICS

Of the institutions listed by ANPC, only the National Institute of Statistics answered my question and informed me that it does not have information on RT-PCR type testing services performed in the private system (ANNEX 2).

COMPETITION COUNCIL

With the same problem of large price differences for RT-PCR testing services charged by private operators in Romania, we also challenged the Competition Council. He informed me that he had a preliminary examination procedure in place to analyze the sector of protective products and equipment set up as emergency medical stocks. I also received some preliminary data (ANNEX 4).

Full correspondence:

  • 23.11.2020: Interpellation addressed to the National Authority for Consumer Protection (read the document)
  • 27.11.2020: Response from the National Authority for Consumer Protection (read the document)
  • 30.07.2021: Comeback of the interpellation addressed to the National Authority for Consumer Protection(read the document)
  • 10.08.2021: Comeback response from the National Authority for Consumer Protection (read the document)
  • 26.11.2020: Response from the National Institute of Statistics (read the document)
  • 23.11.2020: Interpellation addressed to the Competition Council (read the document)
  • 22.12.2020: Response from the Competition Council (read the document)