Why is the NHIF Governor stepping down?

The Governor of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), Dr. Petko Stefanovski, has surprisingly resigned. In an official statement, he cited the lack of necessary political support for calm operations as his main motive.

I believe that my resignation is the right decision. Healthcare needs peace, stability, and predictability, Stefanovski stated.

Achieved results and challenges

Despite the turmoil, Stefanovski reports significant progress in the institution's management:

  • Digitalization and electronification of NHIF processes.
  • Improvement of cost control activities.
  • Focus on access to and quality of medical care.

Political pressure and scandals

The resignation comes against the backdrop of increased pressure from parliamentary groups:

  • Parliamentary pressure: "Progressive Bulgaria" submitted a draft for the early termination of the mandate, and the DPS demanded the resignation of the entire management.
  • Corruption allegations: "Democratic Bulgaria" directed its criticism at Deputy Governor Momchil Mavrov, defining him as a "symbol of corrupt practices."
  • Investigations: An operation by the economic police in Plovdiv uncovered a large-scale scheme for embezzling funds through fictitious clinical pathways for rehabilitation.

It remains to be seen how this change in leadership will affect the stability of the health system and the predictability of payments to hospitals.