site.btaExperts Discuss Improving Health Culture of Bulgarians at Forum in Sofia

Healthcare experts exchanged views on how to improve the health culture of Bulgarians at a forum in Sofia on Tuesday, organized by the Bulgarian Hospital Association (BHA). The specialists agreed that more systematic measures are needed to know what the state funds are for and what the steps of a given treatment are.

At the beginning of the event, BHA President Svilena Dimitrova read a greeting from Health Minister Katya Ivkova. "Increasing health culture is a long-term process that requires partnership between institutions, medical specialists, the educational system, patient organizations and society", said Ivkova.

National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) Governor Petko Stefanovski underscored the need to increase citizens' trust in institutions. According to him, it is also important to explain the benefits of health insurance.

"There are still problems with alcohol consumption, the use of tobacco products and even salt intake," commented Prof. Georgi Momekov, Chairman of the Bulgarian Scientific Society of Pharmacy.  

Dr. Nikolay Brunzalov, Chairman of the Bulgarian Medical Association, said that health culture begins to form in the family.

Patients should know how the electronic record works, how they can monitor hospitalizations, and what their rights are, said the Deputy Chair of the Bulgarian Association of Healthcare Professionals, Assoc. Prof. Tsvetelina Spiridonova.  

During the forum, a study by the Trend agency on the preventive care of Bulgarians was also presented.