Kirilov on Healthcare: Blood Transfusion Centers and Budget

We will insist on funding policies that we consider a priority, or to solve pressing problems - this was stated today in Varna by the Minister of Health, Associate Professor Silvi Kirilov, to the journalists gathered. As an example of these important policies, he pointed to the system of transfusion centers in the country.

In response to a question regarding his satisfaction with the ministry's draft budget for next year, Minister Kirilov shared that there is always room for improvement, but as a realist he prefers to wait and see the facts, given the upcoming changes. "We will insist on funding certain policies, of course in an intelligent way, i.e. with arguments and facts", he added. The Minister emphasized the strategic importance of transfusion centers for all Bulgarian citizens, for society, the state, and the healthcare system as a whole. Since there are serious problems in this area, a special program has been developed to overcome them, but the necessary funds are not provided in the current budget, he also pointed out.

Journalists also directed their attention to the possible increase in the health contribution. On this issue, Minister Kirilov noted that such a decision is not within the competence of the ministry. According to him, the possibilities of the existing model, providing for an 8% contribution, must first be exhausted. He stressed that the current period, accompanied by changes in the financial system, caused by the adoption of the euro, is hardly the most appropriate time to take such a step. "You can always wait a few months, six months, to properly prepare the calculations, the analyses, to point out the strengths, the weaknesses and then to discuss and make a decision on the health contribution", Kirilov pointed out. He added that if the Ministry of Health receives inquiries on the subject, it will provide the relevant answers, in line with the interests of the system. However, the decision is made at another level, the Minister emphasized.

Regarding additional funding for emergency medical care, the Minister noted that at this stage, compared to other structures in the healthcare system, the centers in most large cities are in relatively good condition. He emphasized the strategic importance of emergency care for national security and announced the creation of a working group that will develop a separate regulatory framework covering emergency and urgent care.

Varna is teeming with life in the early afternoon. In front of the hotel where the event is taking place, journalists and representatives of the medical profession gather. The atmosphere is lively, and expectations are high. The Minister of Health is participating in the Seventh National Congress of the Bulgarian Medical Union with international participation, which is being held in the complex "St. St. Constantine and Helena" near Varna. Within the framework of eight panels, doctors and experts will discuss health policies, legal and ethical aspects of medical practice. Among the main topics of the congress are the digitalization of the healthcare system, the use of artificial intelligence and organ donation.