e-Health in Bulgaria: A Breakthrough or Just Another Bureaucracy?

In the context of a chronically overloaded healthcare system, limited access to specialists, and poor coordination between institutions, the Electronic Health Record (EHR) was introduced as a key tool for modernization. But what is the reality one year after its launch?

What Is the Electronic Health Record?

The EHR is a centralized online platform where every Bulgarian citizen’s medical data is stored: diagnoses, lab results, prescriptions, hospitalizations, vaccinations. It is accessible to doctors, pharmacists, and patients via a personal profile in the National Health Information System (NHIS).

Benefits of the EHR

• Quick access to medical history – helps doctors make informed decisions.
• Reduces duplicate tests – saves money and time.
• Easy patient access – through digital signature or personal ID code.
• Better tracking – especially for chronic and elderly patients.

Major Challenges

Despite its conceptual advantages, the system faces serious issues:

1. Data security – In 2024, several incidents of suspicious access and weak encryption in some components were reported.
2. Inequality of access – people in rural areas or without digital literacy struggle to use the system.
3. Lack of training for medical staff – many doctors input incomplete data or use the system superficially.

Lessons from Europe

Estonia, Finland, and Denmark have long used digital health records effectively. Their success relies on:

• clear legal framework for data protection
• comprehensive training for healthcare providers
• transparent communication with patients
• adaptability and user feedback

The Patient's Perspective

According to a March 2025 Alpha Research survey, 62% of Bulgarians don’t know how to access their record, and 44% are unsure who can view their data. This highlights the need for public education and digital onboarding.

Conclusion

The Electronic Health Record can be a powerful modernization tool, but only if supported by cybersecurity strategy, equal access policies, and cultural transformation in healthcare. Otherwise, we risk building another dysfunctional system on top of existing inefficiencies.

Disclaimer:
This article is an analytical review by the BurgasMedia editorial board and reflects the opinion of an expert group based on current political, economic, and social developments.
The conclusions presented are not predictions or factual statements, but a hypothetical interpretation of possible scenarios.
The publication is not responsible for any discrepancies with future developments and encourages readers to form independent judgments based on verified sources.