An analysis by Trend, conducted as part of the "Health Without Risk" campaign and organized in partnership with the Bulgarian Medical Association, reveals worrying data regarding the habits of Bulgarians. It turns out that 39% of people rarely or never seek the opinion of a pharmacist or doctor before starting to take medication, dietary supplements, or products presented as beneficial. Meanwhile, cases of severe health impairment resulting from the uncontrolled use of preparations purchased online are becoming more frequent.
Although 89% of survey participants are aware that buying health products from social networks and unknown websites is dangerous, the statistics remain alarming: 39% of consumers buy products without even checking who the manufacturer is. At the same time, about 30% rely on advice from non-specialists, and 36% admit that their decisions were prompted by internet posts or promotional materials.
According to medical professionals, products for muscle mass, weight loss, and highly concentrated herbal extracts are the most risky. They can damage the kidneys, liver, and other organs because they often contain hidden medicinal substances. An example of this is a young woman who suffered acute liver failure after taking a combination of medications, mushrooms, and herbal supplements. Another striking case involves the product "Slimax," which led to the hospitalization of at least 10 out of 59 affected women due to the presence of chlorpheniramine and sibutramine, both of which are banned in the EU. The case is already under investigation by the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) and the prosecutor's office. Consumers who wish to report suspicious offers can use the platform bezrisk.bg.
In the fitness sector, experts are sounding the alarm about the dangerous, unrestricted sale of testosterone derivatives and anabolic steroids, whose high dosage damages the hormonal balance, the heart, and the liver.
In another area, the NHIF has initiated changes in the payment of medical services:
- The NHIF proposes a 10% retroactive increase in the value of clinical pathways, effective from September 1.
- A 4.4% increase is planned for specialized and general outpatient care, effective from the beginning of the calendar year.
- A new model provides for 20% of the value of each clinical pathway to be allocated to staff, with the distribution being 60% for the doctor, 30% for the nurse, and 10% for the orderly.
- It is proposed to include doctors in specialization in the execution of clinical pathways, which, according to the NHIF, is a way for their work to be recognized and valued.