# Bulgarian healthcare safety and oversight initiatives

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bulgarian-healthcare-safety-and-oversight-initiatives
> Updated: 2026-10-06T13:59:58.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2.

Bulgaria has initiated several measures to address concerns regarding medical safety, consumer risks, and the management of healthcare resources.

Initially, healthcare professionals and the Deputy Minister of Health launched the ‘Health Without Risk’ campaign. This initiative was prompted by data showing that approximately 39% of Bulgarians rarely or never consult professionals before using advertised medicines or supplements. Concurrently, the Commission for Consumer Protection began monitoring over-the-counter medicine pricing.

Following a police and prosecutor operation at St. George University Hospital in Plovdiv, the Ministry of Health expanded its oversight by launching nationwide inspections across all 28 provinces. These inspections, ordered by Health Minister Katya Ivkova, focus on the quality of medical care and the appropriate use of public funds.

Investigations at the Plovdiv hospital revealed massive fraud involving fictitious hospitalizations. Minister of Interior Ivan Demerdzhiev reported that 15 ‘phantom patients’ were recorded as being in inpatient care despite not being physically present, costing the state approximately 7,500 euros per day. 

Authorities have uncovered further systemic irregularities, including the manipulation of clinical trial results for medications and the diversion of expensive drugs to secondary markets abroad. The Ministry of Health, the Executive Agency for Medical Supervision, and the Bulgarian Drug Agency are now focusing on the traceability and storage of high-cost therapies. Additionally, officials are investigating the potential misuse of medical documentation related to sick leaves and TELK disability decisions to prevent further damage to the national budget and ensure patient safety.

## Claims

- The Ministry of Health is launching inspections in medical facilities across all 28 regions of Bulgaria. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- In Plovdiv, 15 individuals were reported as hospitalized but were not physically present in the facility. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Investigations revealed manipulation of clinical trial results for medications. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Expensive medications were being diverted to a secondary market abroad. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Authorities are investigating fraudulent TELK disability decisions and sick leaves. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The investigation into the Plovdiv hospital case will look back five years. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- One clinic in Plovdiv reported approximately 24,000 clinical pathways over three years. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-06: Bulgaria launches nationwide healthcare inspections after Plovdiv fraud discovery

Bulgaria is conducting nationwide healthcare inspections after discovering fictitious hospitalizations and drug diversion in Plovdiv, costing the state thousands of euros daily.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgarian-ministry-of-health-launches-nationwide-medical-inspections

### 2026-09-21: Bulgaria launches health safety campaign amid consumer risks

Bulgarians are increasingly using health products without professional consultation, prompting a new safety campaign. Meanwhile, consumer protection authorities are investigating over-the-counter drug pricing.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-launches-health-safety-campaign-amid-consumer-risks

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Cite as: Bulgarian healthcare safety and oversight initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bulgarian-healthcare-safety-and-oversight-initiatives