Four state hospitals in Sofia and one each in Plovdiv, Pleven, and Varna have purchased 10 of the same medications, but their prices differ significantly. This was stated to journalists by Deputy Minister of Health Vladimir Afenliev.
The analysis of drug expenses for some rare diseases in 2024 and 2025, mainly for the treatment of children, shows a sharp increase in payments. The medications are not included in the Positive Drug List and are purchased directly by hospitals for a specific patient. Since the drugs are not on this list, they do not have a registered official price, but most of them have registration in the EU.
A certain medication was purchased in one hospital for 46,000 BGN, and in another for over 150,000 BGN, Afenliev pointed out. Another medication in one hospital was purchased for 23,000 BGN, and in another for over 64,000 BGN. A third medication in one hospital was purchased for 8,000 BGN and in another – for 36,000 BGN, a subsequent medication in one hospital was for 18,000 BGN, and in another - for about 44,000 BGN. A similar example is the purchase of a medication for 1,500 BGN in one hospital, and in Plovdiv for nearly 11,000 BGN. The most striking case is for a medication purchased by a hospital in Sofia for 517 BGN, and in Plovdiv – for over 8,000 BGN.
An audit is currently being conducted to determine the causes of these anomalies. The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance are planning regulatory changes for price regulation. The goal is to release financial resources for more treatment and achieve equality in the expenditure of public resources. It is planned to upgrade the electronic system in real time, with each purchase and delivery being registered. The system is expected to be fully functional in May.
Changes in two ordinances are prepared for public discussion. The Ministry of Health will publish information on all drug purchases on its website. Intervention by the Ministry of Finance and the State Financial Inspection Agency is possible.
The NHIF (National Health Insurance Fund) proposes regulatory changes for unauthorized drugs. A working group will be created for the digitalization of the treatment process with such products.