site.btaHealth Minister: We Will Push for Funding of Key Health Policies and Urgent Reforms

"We will insist on funding policies that we consider extremely important or address pressing problems that must be solved without delay," Health Minister Silvi Kirilov told journalists in Varna, on the Black Sea, on Saturday, citing Bulgaria’s transfusion centre system as an example.

Asked whether he was satisfied with next year’s draft budget for his Ministry, Kirilov said that "there are always better possibilities", but he preferred to wait for the final version before commenting in detail. “We will argue for additional funding in an intelligent way with facts and reasoning,” he added. Kirilov stressed that transfusion centres are of strategic importance for citizens, communities, and the health system, noting that a special programme has been prepared to address existing issues, though funds were not allocated in the current budget.

Regarding a possible increase in health insurance contributions, Kirilov said that such a decision is not taken by the Ministry. In his view, the current 8% model’s potential should first be fully explored, adding that the period of transition to the euro may not be the right time for such a move. “It’s better to wait several months, prepare proper analyses and projections, and then hold discussions,” he said.

On emergency medical care, Kirilov noted that most centres in major cities are in good condition and that a dedicated working group has been set up to draft a separate regulatory framework for emergency and urgent care, which he described as part of Bulgaria’s national security.

The Minister spoke during the 7th National Congress of the Bulgarian Medical Association, held near Varna. The event includes eight thematic panels discussing health policy, medical ethics, digitalization, artificial intelligence, and organ donation.