Moldova faces healthcare backlogs and resistance over new taxes and tobacco rules

Moldovan lawmakers and health officials are advancing regulatory measures amid administrative challenges and industry pushback. Parliament passed the first reading of legislation introducing stricter health warnings on tobacco packaging and expanded disclosure rules for e-cigarette manufacturers. Simultaneously, public health authorities expressed concern after Philip Morris introduced nicotine pouches ahead of a statutory ban taking effect in June 2026, despite corporate assertions that sales are permitted through June 2027.

In healthcare oversight, a Ministry of Health audit at the Medicines and Medical Devices Agency uncovered over 1,200 pending registration files and security flaws in state databases following inquiries into intravenous catheter quality. Meanwhile, soft drink manufacturers have asked the government to abandon a proposed 2027 excise duty of 1.60 lei per liter on sweetened and energy beverages, warning that prices could rise by 34 percent.

Sources: Moldova1, Newsmaker, Point, Ziarul de Gardă.