The Bulgarian Medical Association insists on urgent negotiations with the state and signing an annex to the National Framework Agreement. It should include an increase of at least 25% in the prices of all medical activities.
The topic was commented on by the chairman of the Bulgarian Medical Association, Dr. Nikolay Brunzalov, in the “Interview in NOVA News”.
According to Dr. Brunzalov, the request for negotiations at this very moment is dictated by the fact that the problems in the sector are now the greatest.
“We have witnessed a number of measures that the state is taking to help business and society, but the healthcare system remains isolated. We are part of this society and we cannot be ignored”, he stated.
The Chairman of the Bulgarian Medical Association emphasized that the requested funds are not for salaries, but so that medical institutions can cover their increased costs and continue to exist.
Regarding the remarks that the requests are made in the context of an official cabinet and upcoming elections, Dr. Brunzalov pointed out that the minister is the one who is responsible for the system, regardless of whether he is an official or regular minister.
“We perceive Minister Okoliyski as an expert and we sought dialogue, but we met a closed door. At the same time, colleagues from all over the country are signaling to us about enormous financial difficulties in hospitals”, he explained.
Dr. Brunzalov drew a parallel between healthcare funds in our country and in Europe. According to him, in Bulgaria, about 1,000 euros are spent per health-insured patient per year, while the average European level is 3,000 euros.
“Our budget is a little over 5 billion, while Austria's is 52 billion. Let everyone do their own math”, he urged.
He added that the health sector is among the top five that return the most funds to the republican budget through taxes and insurance contributions, and therefore should not be left without support.
The Medical Union recalls its long-standing position that the burden of healthcare should be redirected from hospital to outpatient care. According to Dr. Brunzalov, if measures are not taken now, the budget of the Health Fund will be burdened even more in the future, and medical institutions will become insolvent.