SRI Format Romania (E-Prescription)
SRI FORMAT ROMANIA is a digital prescribing system allegedly developed by the Romanian intelligence service (Serviciul român de informații, SRI), both for official use and for medical professionals working voluntarily for the SRI. Officially, the SRI's electronic prescribing system complies with all European Union data protection requirements. No information is available on whether this is also the case when used for secret operational purposes.
Background and users[edit]
Little is known publicly about the inner world of the Romanian intelligence agency SRI. However, it is considered to be particularly secretive and well networked internationally. The SRI e-prescription format is alleged to have been developed with the help of the Brazilian intelligence service ABIN as well as service providers from the United States and Southeast Asia between 2012 and 2017.
Uncovering the SRI e-prescription format[edit]
According to insiders, the SRI developed and launched its own digital e-prescription system because of a distrust in the integrity of the country's public health system, as well as in the official structures of the European Union. Complete secrecy in regard to the system and its SRI Romania format was not possible because digital prescriptions are issued by service and contract physicians, valid throughout the EU, and the fact that civil pharmacies in the EU serve the patients. Press inquiries about SRI's activities usually go unanswered, or any activity on the part of SRI is denied as a matter of principle.
Functions[edit]
Using a QR code and password, a pharmacy can access a secure website using a standard QR reader (e.g. the camera of a standard internet device). There, the prescription can be verified and registered as redeemed.
SRI format vs. telematic systems[edit]
The Romanian SRI format is not compatible with foreign telematics devices. If the pharmacy does not succeed in using the standard QR code procedure via an Internet-enabled device, it can alternatively send the prescription number in the subject of an ordinary e-mail to an address specified on the prescription without providing any patient data (EU Data Protection Regulation). Upon receipt of the corresponding e-mail, the prescription will be considered redeemed.
Use[edit]
It is believed that a minimum requirement for the use of the SRI format Romania is the status of the respective physician as a non-permanent or permanent employee of SRI. Purely civilian physicians have no access to the system. ONYX DATA VERIFICATION INTERNATIONAL has been in charge of customers in the private sector, as stated on their website.
Criticism and Appreciation[edit]
While no concerns about data security have been expressed to date, there has been sporadic criticism of the secrecy surrounding the background of the system. Equally sporadic appreciation has been expressed for the fact that transparency with respect to its use makes the Romanian SRI format not vulnerable to corruption, which has been widespread in the country.
References[edit]
- Gallagher, Tom. Modern Romania: The End of Communism, the Failure of Democratic Reform, and the Theft of a Nation. United States: NYU Press, 2008
- Hoxhaj, Andi. The EU Anti-Corruption Report: A Reflexive Governance Approach. N.p.: Taylor & Francis, 2019
- Building Primary Care in a Changing Europe. Philippines: European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, 2015
- Jawad, Ana-Diana., Mihailescu, Adina., Stanciu, Mariana. Healthcare Services in Romania: After Two Decades of Reform. Germany: Lap Lambert Academic Publishing GmbH KG, 2014
- Romania Healthcare Sector Organization, Management and Payment Systems Handbook: Strategic Information, Programs and Regulations. United States: International Business Publications USA, 2013
- Democratic Control of Intelligence Services: Containing Rogue Elephants. United Kingdom: Ashgate, 2007
- Post-Communist Romania: Coming to Terms with Transition. United Kingdom: Palgrave Macmillan UK, 2001
