New MedicinePrice app provides transparency in drug prices

The Ministry of Health introduced an innovative mobile application called MedicinePrice, which aims to provide Bulgarian citizens with unprecedented access to up-to-date information on drug prices in the country. This important technological development comes in the context of Bulgaria's upcoming accession to the eurozone on January 1, 2026.

Minister of Health Silvi Kirilov emphasized the significance of the project, developed in collaboration with the National Council on Pricing and Reimbursement. "The MedicinePrice application is free and will allow every citizen access to current information on drug prices in Bulgaria, both those paid by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and those on the free market", stated Minister Kirilov.

It is important to note that the creation of the application is part of a broader strategy to ensure transparency and stability in the pharmaceutical supply sector during the transition period to the euro. Minister Kirilov seeks to dispel public concerns related to the introduction of the new currency: "Drug prices will not change due to the introduction of the euro itself. All values will be calculated at the fixed exchange rate".

The application will display prices in both leva and euros simultaneously, ensuring full transparency and facilitating the transition to the new currency. The minister emphasized that strict control will be exercised to prevent illegal practices, speculation, or unjustified price increases.

Maria Vasileva, a member of the National Council on Pricing and Reimbursement of Medicinal Products, provided additional information on the technical side of the project. She announced that on August 8, 2025, a successful adaptation of public registers was carried out, with drug prices also announced in euros, ahead of the set deadline.

"I want to emphasize that the currency conversion of drug prices has been carried out in accordance with the rules for conversion and rounding and will not lead to a change in the current state-regulated prices", Vasileva stated.

She explained that the application uses real-time current data on medicinal products and their respective regulated selling prices.

Features of the MedicinePrice application

• Search by brand name
• Search by international non-proprietary name
• Barcode scanning for products from the positive drug list
• Price information in leva and euros
• Data on dispensing regime (with or without prescription)
• Information on NHIF reimbursement

Vasileva noted that the prices in the registers are ceiling prices, i.e., maximum prices above which a given medicinal product cannot be sold in Bulgaria. She clarified that the final retail price in the pharmacy network may differ from this price as a result of various commercial relationships.

With the introduction of MedicinePrice, Bulgaria takes a significant step forward in ensuring transparency and accessibility of information on medicinal products, preparing for a smooth transition to the eurozone and strengthening citizens' trust in the healthcare system.