Bulgarian Ministry of Health proposes major administrative reforms

The Bulgarian Ministry of Health has proposed large-scale administrative reforms aimed at increasing state efficiency. Key proposals include the closure of the 28 regional health inspectorates, which would be merged into three main directorates, and the consolidation of emergency medical assistance centers into a single National Emergency Medical Assistance service.

Additionally, the ministry is considering the dissolution of the National Council on Prices and Reimbursement of Medicinal Products and the transfer of regional medical expertise files to the National Expert Medical Commission. Health Minister Katya Ivkova stated that these proposals are currently ideas resulting from expert analysis intended to initiate a public discussion on improving state functionality.

Patient organizations have expressed significant concern regarding these changes. Aneta Draganova, chair of the Association of Patients Active in Healthcare, warned that abolishing the National Council could jeopardize transparency and cause drastic delays in patient access to new, reimbursed medications. She noted that the current structure ensures new therapies are reimbursed within three to six months of approval.