Rogobete: The meal tariff for hospital patients, unchanged since 2022, could increase from 2027

Health Minister Alexandru Rogobete has stated that solutions are being sought to increase the daily food allowance for hospitalised patients. According to him, the rate of 22 RON per day has not been updated since 2022 and no longer keeps pace with inflation, exchange rates, VAT, and other rising costs. Any potential increase would come into effect next year.

"It is true that the last increase in the food tariff for patients was in 2022. The 22 RON is starting to become... This rate has been overtaken by exchange rates, inflation, VAT, and all the other increases. We are looking for solutions and I am confident we will find them, so that by the end of the year we can raise the food tariff. I don't know by how much — I don't want to commit to figures at this stage — but it is certain that from next year there will be an increase, because hospital kitchens can no longer operate as they are," Alexandru Rogobete told Digi24.

What the minister says about the 2027 budget

When asked whether financial resources exist for this increase, Rogobete noted that next year's budget is still being drawn up and that he is awaiting the conclusion of negotiations.

"Work is under way on next year's budget and I am waiting to see the final figures and final negotiations. We are in November, so it will be a few more weeks before the budget is ready. I will present it, as I did last year. I don't want to say it will be larger, but I certainly hope it won't be smaller. And I will make sure it isn't smaller," the Health Minister stated.

Rogobete noted that increasing the food tariff for patients is one of the measures required for the normal functioning of the healthcare system. The government has also set itself the goal of having the 2027 budget approved by the end of this year.