The Supervisory Board of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) approved the institution's draft budget for 2026, including a key amendment to the minimum salary of young doctors without a specialty. According to the earmarked funds, they will receive at least 1,860 euros per month.
On the air of “Interview in NOVA News“ economist and health management expert Arkadi Sharkov commented that healthcare prices in Bulgaria are increasing, as well as around the world, under the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, wars and trade conflicts.
“Healthcare prices in our country are significantly lower than those in the rest of life. According to NSI data, since 2021, prices in the economy have increased by 43%, while in healthcare - by 17%, Sharkov pointed out. He specified that medicinal products are strictly regulated, but this does not apply to dietary supplements.
According to the expert, the revenues in the NHIF budget are determined by the indexed minimum wage and the maximum insured income. “It is important to keep in mind that to a significant extent, insurance is covered by people from the private sector”, he added.
Sharkov emphasized that the funds earmarked for young doctors and residents for 2026 are not guaranteed for the next year - they can be increased or decreased. He noted that the budget for outpatient care and medicines remains meager compared to that for hospital care.
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“I cannot say whether, with the growing deficit, the funds set aside will be enough for the whole year, most likely there will be a need for an update in the first three months of next year“, believes Arkady Sharkov.