53% of patients say they are asked to pay extra for healthcare

High out-of-pocket payments, shortages of doctors and nurses, and insufficient coverage of medical services by Bulgaria’s National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) are the most serious problems facing the healthcare sector, according to the public. The findings come from a nationally representative survey by Trend, presented at the Priority: Health forum organised by the Bulgarian Medical Association.

More than 60% of medical professionals describe the current state of the healthcare system as very good or fairly good. Asked which changes should be prioritised, 39% point to retaining young doctors in Bulgaria, 38% to tighter control over the spending of public funds, and 35% to better pay.

As for the difficulties they face in their day-to-day work, half of medical professionals cite low pay, 49% point to shortages of healthcare staff, and 34% to excessive workloads.

Editor: Ivo Ivanov