Marius Geanta: It took nearly 5 and a half years for Romania to sign the 1+MG Declaration

Marius Geanta, President and Co-Founder of the Center for Innovation in Medicine in Bucharest, Romania, shared on LinkedIn:

“In January 2018, from an office at the Ministry of Health, Romania was among the first 5 Member States expressing interest in the European Commission’s initiative now known as 1+ Million Genomes.

Despite this pioneering effort, it took nearly 5 and a half years for Romania to sign the 1+MG Declaration. Throughout this time, as all EU countries (with 3 exceptions) were already joining the crucial genomics project, we experienced changes with 7 prime ministers and 8 health ministers or research and innovation ministers.

One thing remained constant during this time: my determination and that of my colleagues to put Romania on the European genomics map.

Finally, it happened in June 2023, following the most complex and successful health innovation diplomacy. Thanks for the support, Sebastian Burduja and Constantin-Alexandru Manda.

Since then, I had the honor, alongside Octavian Bucur (General Manager of the Institute for Research and Development in Genomics), to be the first representative of Romania in the 1+MG Group, comprising members from all Member States.

A month ago, at the 1+MG Group meeting in Barcelona, I presented the long journey of genomic medicine in Romania (photo) and joyfully observed that Romania is not only on the map that matters but also gaining attention (and sympathy) from representatives of Member States more advanced in the field of genomics.

My mandate to represent Romania in the 1+MG Group recently concluded; after all, it is the right and responsibility of each Member State to decide the most suitable form of representation.

However, my commitment to bring genomic medicine where it belongs—closest to those who truly need it—has by no means ceased but rather intensified.

Certainly, the ideal scenario would be for as many people as possible to benefit from the entire experience and expertise we have accumulated. Unfortunately, in 2023, nationally, we were presented with too few opportunities to make a significant impact, commensurate with our intentions.”

Source: Marius Geanta/LinkedIn