The number of tuberculosis patients has decreased to 5,500, which is 500 fewer than last year. However, each year more and more patients have resistant forms of the disease, which requires a more difficult and expensive treatment. The information was presented at a press conference by the Minister of Health Andrei Usatai. According to the official, the low number of TB cases is a result of information campaigns and better healthcare services. The director of the Center for Healthcare Policies and Analysis, Andrei Mosneaga, told Info-Prim Neo that €100,000 is invested yearly in fighting TB. Most of the money is donated by the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and is spent on medical assistance for people without medical insurance. In Moldova, TB treatment is free even for those without insurance. According to Nina Postu, coordinator of the Community Center for Tuberculosis Patients in Rezina, the conditions of hospitalization for TB patients have improved over the last two years. One of the main problems remains people who refuse hospitalization and the necessary treatment. “Fortunately, such cases aren’t too numerous”, she said. Most of the TB patients are treated at the Hospital of TB Diseases in Vorniceni, Straseni. 200 people are currently treated there. Minister Usatai announced that a new building with 300 beds would be opened in the next months at the Vorniceni Hospital.