site.btaVazrazhdane Tables Draft Amendments to Medical Establishments Act

Margarita Mahaeva MP of Vazrazhdane has tabled in Parliament a bill to amend and supplement the Medical Establishments Act, aimed at ensuring fair and predictable pay for medical professionals in medical establishments, especially those working under contracts with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) or receiving state funding, the party said in a press release on Tuesday. 

The bill stipulates that the basic monthly remuneration for doctors and master pharmacists without a specialty should be no less than 150% of the average gross salary for the country. For nurses, midwives and allied health professionals, a minimum remuneration of not less than 140% of the same base is foreseen. In addition, remuneration is introduced for forms of continuing training, for additional qualifications acquired and for night work performed. The draft revisions set a limit on the difference between the lowest and the highest salary within a medical establishment - no more than a ratio of 10 to 1, and  up to 15 to 1 for habilitated specialists. It is also envisaged that professional organisations will maintain public electronic registers reflecting the training and qualifications of their members. Penalties are provided for medical establishments that do not comply with these requirements - a fine of BGN 15,000, and BGN 30,000 for each separate violation in case of repeated violations.

Bills to amend and supplement the Medical Establishments Act have already been tabled by the ruling majority and the opposition Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria parliamentary group.