The Minister of National Defence Gabriel Oprea visited Sgt. (R) Daniel Porumb, at the Military Hospital on Tuesday, January 4. The Romanian soldier has been recently brought back home from the People’s Republic of China.

During November 1, 2010 and January 2, 2011, Sgt. (R) Daniel Porumb has been under treatment with stem cells at the Neurology Institute 'Hongtianji' in Beijing. The treatment was administered following the special request made by Minister Gabriel Oprea.

The defence minister talked to Daniel Porumb and his mother, congratulating Daniel for the good progress he made since their last meeting at the Chinese institute in November last year.

'I believe that your health will gradually improve. You can rely on our continued support. We will do everything possible to help you get the best of treatments. I know you are strong and will go on fighting to get better and better. You are a symbol for the Romanian Armed Forces and an example for all of us ', the defence minister told him.

The minister was updated on the improved state of health of the soldier, as a result of the treatment he was given by the Chinese specialists, and was reassured that he will get the best treatment and medical care at the military hospital in Bucharest.

The Clinic for neurological recovery of the military hospital will go on with the recovery procedures set by the medical protocol signed with the Neurology Institute 'Hongtianji'.

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During his mission in Iraq, as part of the 495th Infantry Battalion, Daniel Porumb was injured on April 14, 2007, after the armored carrier he was in had upset, near Tallil. He was in surgery at Landstuhl Hospital, at the US base in Ramstein (Germany). The 31 years old soldier is still immobilized in bed and will continue to get medical assistance at the Military Hospital in Bucharest, as part of a complex recovery program.

In January 2010, defence minister Gabriel Oprea promoted Daniel Porumb to the rank of Sergeant and awarded him the highest military distinction, 'Emblema Onoarea Armatei Romaniei', on the Day of the Romanian Armed Forces, October 25.

MoND Press Office