Free Diagnostic Tests for Chronic Kidney Disease Available to Romanians Starting July 1st

Effective July 1st, 2023, Romanian adults will be able to access, free of charge, two essential laboratory tests for the diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease – estimated glomerular filtration rate and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio. The new Framework Contract for the provision of medical services and subsequent implementing norms allow for these investigations to be compensated when recommended by professionals in family medicine, nephrology, and other clinical specialties like diabetes, nutrition and metabolic diseases, cardiology, and internal medicine.

„Chronic Kidney Disease doesn’t cause pain. It is a silent killer. This is the reason why many cases remain undiagnosed, even though the necessary tests are rather easy to perform. At the Ministry of Health, together with our colleagues from the National Health Insurance House, we have set out to change this reality for the nearly 2 million Romanians living with this diagnosis, many of them still unaware of it. Starting July 1st, the general adult population benefits from free access to the two recommended tests for the diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease, namely, estimated glomerular filtration rate and the albumin-to-creatinine ratio in urine, as part of the basic medical services package. From now on, anyone receiving a medical check-up at their family doctor’s office can also receive recommendations for these two tests in order to find out if they have a diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease. Early detection of this condition can make a difference between life and death. It’s that simple and accessible to everyone!” said University Professor Dr. Alexandru Rafila, the Minister of Health.

Only 1 in 10 individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease is diagnosed in the initial stages, the critical window when disease progression can be effectively mitigated.

More than 10% of the Romanian population lives with Chronic Kidney Disease, a condition that shows symptoms only in its advanced stages. The main risk factors for Chronic Kidney Diseaseare cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and diabetes. The absence of symptoms in the initial phases of the disease causes patients to often receive their diagnosis only in the advanced stages, at which point it may already be too late to mitigate the progression of the disease and complications such as cardiovascular and renal issues may emerge.

Read more about

Easter celebration: museums dedicated to eggs decoration

read more

“By subsidizing these two tests, we’ve marked a considerable advancement in prioritizing Chronic Kidney Disease within our healthcare system, providing patients afflicted with this condition the opportunity for an extended and improved quality of life. We welcome the initiatives of the Ministry of Health and the National Health Insurance House, which facilitate early-stage diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease. This enables us to slow down the disease’s progression and lessen the risk of renal and cardiovascular complications. We urge, in particular, those over 40 and patients with cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, or diabetes, to consult with their family doctor or attending physician about receiving these two critical, tests for Chronic Kidney Disease diagnosis: namely, the estimated glomerular filtration rate and the urine albumin-creatinine ratio. we ensure that all individuals living with this diagnosis receive early access to the necessary medical interventions for a healthier long-term life,” stated University Professor Dr. Ina Kacso, the President of the Romanian Society of Nephrology.

Based on the referral ticket from the family doctor or another clinical specialist, such as nephrology, diabetes, nutrition, and metabolic diseases, cardiology, internal medicine, subsidized tests can be performed for estimated glomerular filtration rate and urinary albumin-creatinine ratio.

“The family doctor is the first point of contact for patients when they have health problems and also the one who guides them in the process of prevention and early detection of serious chronic conditions. We rely on the support of the authorities to provide us with as many tools as possible to help us in our mission of keeping our patients healthy and minimizing the risks of additional illnesses. In the case of Chronic Kidney Disease, starting July 1st, we have received a valuable instrument, namely the settlement of two vital tests for early detection of a disease, which allows us to intervene early in the progression of this disease, that has a devastating impact on the lives of our patients. In doing so, we enhance our patient protection against high-impact health conditions such as Chronic Kidney Disease.” said Dr. Dina Mergeani, President of the National Society of Family Medicine.

The scientific community and national authorities continue their efforts to inform about Chronic Kidney Disease, highlighting the main risk factors for this medical condition, as well as the importance of regular kidney health evaluation at the family doctor’s office, through a simple message within the national awareness campaign initiated on March 9th, on World Kidney Day: „Cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and diabetes are common and can severely affect the kidneys. Assess the health of your kidneys for free at your family doctor!”

About Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a serious condition, caused by abnormalities in the structure or function of the kidneys. The disease has a progressive course, over a period of years or months, and although it is irreversible, its progression can be slowed down or even stopped through early diagnosis and treatment. The condition is categorized into five stages.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): In 2022, it is the 10th leading cause of mortality worldwide, and it is estimated to become the 5th leading cause of mortality by 2040.

Chronic Kidney Disease affects nearly 850 million people worldwide, with 80% more than the number of people suffering from diabetes and 10 times more than those suffering from cancer. Currently, it is the 10th leading cause of global mortality, and according to increasing statistics each year, it will become the 5th leading cause by 2040.

Early diagnosis and intervention in Chronic Kidney Disease are essential and life-saving for patients.

In Chronic Kidney Disease, diagnosis and intervention in the early stages of the disease are essential steps for saving patients’ lives. The diagnosis is established with two simple laboratory tests: estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR).