Proposals for structural reforms in healthcare

Minister of Health Katya Ivkova announced that a broad public discussion on ideas for structural changes in the sector is forthcoming. She emphasized that the claims circulating in the public domain are not final decisions, but rather a basis for debate.

"Fear of change has not cured a single patient. Well-thought-out reforms – yes," declared Minister Ivkova.

Highlights from the statement:

  • Optimization, not closure: The goal is to change the administrative model without removing functioning units or losing expert potential.
  • Problems in the system: The Minister noted that despite increasing budgets, the country suffers from unequal access to services, administrative duplication, and high levels of preventable mortality.
  • Transparency: All stakeholders, experts, and citizens will have the opportunity to present arguments and proposals.

Ivkova was categorical that it is the state's responsibility to critically assess where the system is not functioning effectively and to seek workable solutions in the interest of patients.