Bulgaria announces healthcare administrative reform

Bulgarian Health Minister Katya Ivkova has announced a structural administrative reform aimed at increasing the efficiency and speed of the healthcare system. The reform intends to improve citizen access to services through several key changes.

Under the proposed plan, Regional Health Inspectorates (RHI) will be integrated into the Ministry of Health as territorial directorates. This move will end their status as independent contracting entities under public procurement laws, allowing them to operate directly under the Ministry's nationwide structure. This change is designed to allow RHI specialists to focus on professional activities while administrative tasks, such as legal, accounting, and human resources, are handled through shared services.

The reform also includes the integration of ground and air emergency medical services into a single national center based on functional principles. Additionally, the Ministry plans to upgrade digital technologies and utilize AI tools to modernize the sector.