Bulgaria's NHIF Supervisory Board reviews exceptional hospital contracts

The Supervisory Board of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) in Bulgaria has authorized the signing of several exceptional contracts with hospitals across the country, including facilities in Sofia. These agreements involve specialists working four-hour shifts to ensure the continuity of specific clinical pathways.

Dr. Vladimir Daskalov, manager of the NHIF, noted that the primary shortage is among anesthesiologists and intensivists, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach regions. Hospitals in Peshtera, Ardino, Yambol, and Gabrovo are among those benefiting from these arrangements. Additionally, exceptional contracts were granted to a pediatric hospital in Sofia for pulmonology and phthisiology specialists, and to an endocrinology hospital in Sofia for a surgeon.

Due to the increasing frequency of these exceptions, the patient representative on the board, Dr. Stoycho Katsarov, proposed a formal review of the principle behind granting such contracts, a motion that was accepted unanimously.

Regarding finances, officials expect the NHIF budget to remain stable through the end of the year. The institution anticipates receiving over 300 million euro through a predictability and resilience mechanism involving rebates from pharmaceutical companies. The NHIF reserve is expected to be opened next month to facilitate the payment of all activities.