The Cantacuzino Institute, "on the verge of bankruptcy"

Over the past ten years, the work of the Cantacuzino Institute has limited.

In 2010, was halted production of the vaccine against tuberculosis for children and last year was stopped also the Polidin production.

Currently, the institution is on the verge of bankruptcy.

Employed for thirty years at the Institute, doctor Monica Bălteanu stated that the entire production of the Institute is stopped.

"Cantacuzino Institute has closed all production areas. We no longer produce absolutely anything since February 2010. In 2010 and 2011 we have received temporary authorization only for anti-influenza vaccine production, "said Monica Bălteanu.

According to her , in 2011, it has been given up the production of the 21 vaccine types.

The information was confirmed by the spokesman of the National Medicines Agency, who said it has received a notice regarding this.

"In November 2011, indeed, the Agency received a letter from Cantacuzino Institute that we are required to issue decisions to cease the marketing authorizations for 21 of the products once in the Institute's portfolio," said Anca Cuprariu.

Monica Bălteanu stated that the area for the production of vaccine against tuberculosis is completed at the rate of 80 per cent , but the Institute has no longer funds to complete the work.

In her opinion, one of the reasons why the Cantacuzino Institute is on the verge of bankruptcy would be the defective management.

The statement was also supported by the ombudsman, professor dr.Gheorghe Iancu, who led an investigation in this regard.

"I found that there is no vaccine production license issued by National Medicines Agency. The management was defective and has not lead to any improvement so far, "said Gheorghe Iancu.

The Ministry of Health is seeking solutions

Vasile Cepoi, Health Minister, said the institution that he led seeks solutions to resolve the problems encountered at the Cantacuzino Institute.

One of the proposals concerns is taking over the management by the antibiotics factory in Iaşi.

"One of the solutions proposed was that the production should be taken up under the team of antibiotics in Iaşi, and the research and reference laboratories to remain at the Ministry of Health," the Minister explained.

He specified that another solution would be hiring a management "able to highlight the plight of the Institute as it is".

The Cantacuzino Institute was founded in 1921.

Here were developed and produced the serum anti-streptococcal and then anti-dysentery .

Translated by

Denisse-Meda Bucura

MTTLC, Bucharest University