# Bulgarian medicinal product shortages

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bulgarian-medicinal-product-shortages
> Updated: 2026-10-25T07:21:55.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 3.

Bulgaria is facing significant challenges regarding the availability of essential medications. The Bulgarian Association for Patient Protection (BAP) has raised concerns over proposed changes to the Specialized Electronic System for Tracking and Analysis of Medicinal Products (SESPA), arguing that new electronic prescription requirements may only identify shortages after patients are already affected. Lawyer Plamen Taushanov stated that for chronic and severe illnesses, needs must be forecasted rather than addressed at the last moment through individual prescriptions. BAP advocates for a deeper analysis of existing supply chain data to identify where deficits occur.

Data from the Executive Agency for Medicines indicates that cancer medications are experiencing the highest rate of supply interruptions. Currently, 46 reimbursed medications are in short supply, including 11 anti-tumor treatments and various drugs for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. While some supplies, such as 8,000 doses of Reseligo, have been delivered, the Ministry of Health noted that distribution to wholesalers remains ongoing.

On October 15, 2026, the parliamentary health commission approved proposed amendments to the Law on Medicinal Products in Human Medicine in a first reading. Adelina Lyubenova, head of the Initiative Committee of Master Pharmacists in Bulgaria, criticized the national approach for focusing on administrative monitoring rather than root causes. A study of 300 pharmacies and five patient organizations suggested that approximately 90% of identified shortages involve medications outside the scope of the list used by the Bulgarian Drug Agency. These issues coincide with European-level discussions led by the European Medicines Agency regarding supply security and the development of the Critical Medicines Act.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-25: Bulgaria debates medicine shortages amid EU supply chain discussions

Bulgarian pharmacists criticize proposed medicine laws for focusing on administrative control rather than addressing the root causes of drug shortages, amid broader EU efforts to secure supply chains.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-debates-medicine-shortages-amid-eu-supply-chain-discussions

### 2026-10-20: Cancer medications face highest rate of supply interruptions in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is facing a shortage of 46 reimbursed medications, with oncology drugs seeing the most frequent interruptions, causing significant distress for cancer patients.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cancer-medications-face-highest-rate-of-supply-interruptions-in-bulgaria

### 2026-10-01: Bulgarian Association for Patient Protection warns of drug shortage risks

The Bulgarian Association for Patient Protection warns that linking drug supplies to electronic prescriptions may only identify shortages after patients are affected, rather than preventing them.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgarian-association-for-patient-protection-warns-of-drug-shortage-risks

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Cite as: Bulgarian medicinal product shortages. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bulgarian-medicinal-product-shortages