Romanian Rock Singer’s Liver Transplant Cheaper In Germany Than Romania - Minister

Paying for the liver transplant Romanian rock singer Cristi Minculescu will have in Germany is a means of showing respect and gratitude to a great artist, Romanian health minister Ion Bazac said Sunday, adding the procedure is cheaper in Germany than in Romania.

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"The Health Ministry is only covering the cost of the procedure, that is EUR47,000, the rest will be paid by his family. It costs less than the same procedure in the country. It’s a gesture of solidarity, respect and gratitude to a man who has entertained us for so long. I was also impressed that his wife will be the donor,” Bazac said.

In his turn, the head of Romania’s National Health Insurance House, professor Irinel Popescu, who was performed the first liver transplant in Romania, explained he agreed that Minculescu should have surgery in Germany but said he cannot state the reasons, which are confidential.

"Although I’ve performed all types of transplant in the country, there have been cases when I approved that children should have surgery abroad. In this case, I am obliged by doctor-patient confidentiality, but I confirm the procedure is cheaper in Germany,” Popescu said.

The minister added the Health Ministry approved in February other surgical procedures to be performed abroad for six children, one adult and two youths, for which the ministry assigned 1.72 million lei (EUR1=RON4.2909).

Bazac said the ministry’s budget includes a program for treatment abroad and funds are also available from the Social Solidarity Fund. For treatments that cannot be performed in Romania and whose costs exceed EUR100,000, the Health Ministry pays for half the cost.

Minculescu, 50, the lead singer of Romanian rock band Iris, is suffering from polycystic liver and kidney disease and needs a liver transplant.

The band suspended a countrywide tour and cancelled several concerts.

Numerous rumors spread over the years regarding Minculescu’s health and many alleged he is suffering from cirrhosis.

The band was founded in 1976, in Bucharest, and Miculescu joined the team as lead singer in 1980.

In October 2007, when the band turned 30, the band was decorated by President Traian Basescu and their anniversary concert gathered over 15,000 fans.

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