The introduction of the position of "regional coordinator of health mediators" is proposed in a draft for amendments to the Regulation on the requirements for the activities of health mediators. The draft has been published for a one-month public discussion on the website of the Ministry of Health, BTA reports.
The purpose of introducing this position is to ensure more effective organization, methodological support and control over the activities of health mediators in the municipalities of the respective region, it is stated in the motives for amendments to the regulation. The new position will be filled by established health mediators with proven professional experience, and the appointment of the coordinators will be carried out by order of the Minister of Health. The project proposes that the regional coordinator participate in the selection committees for new health mediators.
In order for health mediators to effectively fulfill their duties, including visiting remote settlements, the reasons for the regulatory changes state that employers - municipalities - will cover their transportation costs. This will facilitate access to health services for people living in isolated neighborhoods and neighborhoods and will support prevention and awareness activities. The funds will be planned in the annual budgets of the municipalities, the reasons for the project also state. It also creates an opportunity for health mediators to provide assistance to patients in hospitals, thus overcoming communication barriers and preventing conflicts between patients and medical specialists - a problem that often leads to lack of trust, non-compliance with therapy and refusal of treatment.
The standard funds for 2025 for one health mediator position are 20,660 BGN per year. For regional coordinators, an increase of the standard by 5% is planned - to 21,693 BGN per year. The financial effect for 2026 for 28 regional coordinators will be 607,404 BGN (about 310,560 euros).
The amendments to the regulation are proposed due to the need to strengthen the role of municipalities in conducting health prevention and to improve access to medical care for the most vulnerable groups of the population. It is also proposed to introduce electronic reporting of the activities of health mediators through a specialized information system, developed within the framework of the project "Healthcare for All" under the program "Local Development, Poverty Reduction and Improved Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups", financed through the Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area 2014-2021.