Bulgarian healthcare system challenges and reforms

A survey by the Bulgarian Medical Union revealed significant systemic issues in the national healthcare system, noting that 53% of citizens paid for medical services out-of-pocket in the previous year. Respondents identified high costs for medicines, dental services, and consultations, alongside shortages of doctors and insufficient coverage by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), as primary concerns. While many patients struggled with costs, 63% of surveyed doctors rated the system as ‘very good’ or ‘good,’ though they highlighted low wages and a lack of long-term strategies to retain young medical staff.

In response to these challenges, the Bulgarian National Assembly has entered debates regarding legislative proposals to increase minimum wages for medical professionals to mitigate brain drain. One proposal suggests linking base salaries to the national average gross wage, with non-specialized doctors and dentists receiving at least 150% of the average. However, the ruling majority has expressed concerns regarding the financial strain on municipal hospitals and potential wage disparities. Other political groups have advocated for alternative mechanisms focused on the equitable distribution of health insurance funds.