Priorities of the new Ministry of Health leadership

Minister of Health Katya Ivkova presented the main goals of her team to the media. The focus is on prophylaxis, disease prevention, as well as improving maternal and child healthcare. Among the key steps are:

  • Introduction of clear indicators for the quality of medical services.
  • Digitalization of the National Health Map.
  • Increasing transparency in the work of the ministry.
"I do not promise you quick results and easy solutions, but I am open to society with the idea of transparency," stated Minister Ivkova.

Problems facing the healthcare system

The Ministry is starting an in-depth analysis of out-of-pocket payments by patients in order to assess the need for changes to clinical pathways. Deputy Minister Prof. Petko Salchev placed emphasis on drug policy, expressing concern over unverified data regarding the prices of medicines for rare diseases.

The case with screening programs

Screening for cervical cancer and colon cancer is facing serious challenges: halted tender procedures and expiring shelf life of already purchased tests. The Ministry plans to use them as a pilot program so that the resources are not lost.

Emergency medical services and helicopters

Negotiations with the European Commission regarding the operational bases for the helicopters continue in order to avoid the risk of losing investments under the Recovery and Resilience Plan.