Important changes to the healthcare system are ahead

Reducing out-of-pocket payments by patients in medical institutions is a key priority in the government's management program. Health Minister Katya Ivkova confirmed that work is currently underway on the necessary legislative bills.

"The procedure will go through the National Assembly and we expect the changes to be a fact from next year," Ivkova stated to Nova Television.

Statistics and challenges

Currently, there are 341 hospitals operating in Bulgaria, 158 of which are private. The Minister highlighted the following key facts:

  • 61 medical institutions have over 51% state participation.
  • The remaining structures are regional and municipal.
  • There is a territorial imbalance in the distribution of hospitals.

Although all these institutions use public resources from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), patients continue to pay significant amounts for their treatment. It is important to clarify that at this moment, an increase in the health insurance contribution rate is not being discussed.