Blagoevgrad pulmonary hospital faces critical funding crisis

The Blagoevgrad Municipal Council held an extraordinary meeting to address the critical financial situation of the Specialized Hospital for Active Treatment of Pneumo-Phthisiatric Diseases. The hospital faces a significant threat to its existence due to a legal dispute regarding the termination of its contract with the National Health Insurance Fund for three clinical pathways. According to hospital manager Dr. Vladimir Pandev, these affected pathways account for over 70% of the facility's clinical pathway revenue.

Mayor Metodi Baikushev reported that the municipal administration and council were not formally notified of the legal proceedings or the initial order to terminate the contracts. The matter is currently before the Supreme Administrative Court following a lower court decision that upheld the termination.

In addition to the funding crisis, internal audits have identified expenditure irregularities. Furthermore, the former manager and head nurse are reportedly under investigation by the prosecutor's office for alleged document fraud involving approximately 20,000 BGN in unauthorized payments from the Health Insurance Fund.