The Minister of Health proposes a temporary moratorium on the opening of new hospitals

Minister of Health, Prof. Hristo Hinkov, has proposed a moratorium on the opening of new medical facilities for inpatient care until a new health card is prepared that identifies the needs of medical services. This proposal was presented by Hinkov when he outlined his priorities to the parliamentary health committee. He emphasized that the proliferation of new hospitals is a significant problem that requires a difficult and complex solution.

Hinkov highlighted the fact that the number of hospitals is increasing while the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) has limited financial resources. He explained that the resources are being distributed among a growing number of hospitals, leading to a decrease in the quality of medical services and an increase in co-payments for patients. The public financial resource is becoming increasingly insufficient to support the numerous hospitals.

To address this issue, Hinkov proposed that the NHIF refuse contracts with medical institutions if the financial resources are insufficient. He also emphasized the need to clarify and regulate the surcharge process from patients out of pocket, which currently stands at 45% and is the highest in the EU. Additionally, Hinkov expressed his intention to analyze the large gap in salaries among medical professionals.

In terms of healthcare reforms, Hinkov plans to introduce a preventive calendar through changes in the Health Insurance Act. He believes that increasing funds for prevention and promoting a healthy lifestyle will be more effective than solely focusing on hospitals and medicines. Hinkov also predicts an analysis of clinical pathways and the introduction of disease severity coefficients, which will bring the healthcare system closer to the long-discussed diagnostically related groups. He also proposes the wider regulation of day trails and the transfer of activities from hospitals to outpatient care.

Regarding drug policy, Hinkov aims to regulate the shortage of medicinal products and introduce electronic prescriptions for antibiotics. He also plans to expedite the import of scarce products and implement centralized public procurement of medicines and medical devices.

Hinkov intends to make further changes to the Health Act, particularly in the area of psychiatric care. Under his leadership, the Ministry of Health will prioritize projects such as the establishment of a National Children’s Hospital, the modernization of emergency care, and the implementation of an air ambulance project. Additionally, mental health centers will be built in every regional city.

To reduce the administrative burden for medical specialists, Hinkov will continue the digitization processes within the healthcare system. He also proposes increasing the state procurement of doctors and nurses in medical universities. Hinkov plans to analyze the human resources in the system and create incentives for healthcare professionals to work in regions that are lacking specialists.

Overall, Hinkov’s proposals and priorities aim to address the challenges and improve the quality of medical services in the country.

What measures would be taken to ensure transparency and fairness in the cost burden borne by patients through regulating the surcharge process from patients’ pockets

N to establish a health card system that accurately identifies the needs of medical services. This health card would help determine the number and location of medical facilities required to meet the country’s healthcare needs.

Hinkov acknowledged that implementing his proposal would be challenging and require cooperation and coordination among various stakeholders. However, he believes that it is necessary to take action now to ensure the sustainability and quality of healthcare services in the country.

The proposal for a moratorium on the opening of new medical facilities for inpatient care until a new health card is developed reflects Hinkov’s commitment to addressing the issue of an increasing number of hospitals and limited financial resources. By refusing contracts with medical institutions if the funds are insufficient, Hinkov aims to allocate resources more effectively and ensure that patients receive quality care without excessive co-payments.

Moreover, Hinkov intends to regulate the surcharge process from patients’ pockets, which is currently the highest in the EU at 45%. This regulation would provide transparency and fairness in the cost burden borne by patients.

Overall, Hinkov’s proposal demonstrates his dedication to improving the healthcare system by carefully managing resources and addressing the challenges posed by the proliferation of new hospitals. Through the implementation of a health card system and effective allocation of financial resources, Hinkov aims to provide sustainable and accessible healthcare services for all citizens.