Ministry of Health to Seek Solutions for Better Access to Healthcare Services for People with Short Stature

The Minister of Health, Assoc. Prof. Mikhail Okoliyski, discussed with representatives of the National Organization “Little Bulgarian People” the possibilities for improving medical care and access to healthcare services for people with short stature in Bulgaria, the institution reported.

During the working meeting, which was also attended by Deputy Minister Vladimir Afenliev, the main challenges facing this patient group were highlighted, including the need for a more coordinated medical approach during their treatment and hospitalization.

“The state is obliged to ensure an accessible environment and quality healthcare for every citizen. It is important to make the challenges facing little people in Bulgaria visible to the system, so that together we can build a society where a person is not measured in centimeters, but in equal opportunities,” stated Assoc. Prof. Okoliyski.

During the conversation, the chairman of the organization, Svetoslav Chernev, presented best practices developed in collaboration with the Military Medical Academy, where a multidisciplinary approach is applied to patients with short stature. He emphasized that during hospitalization, it is important to monitor not only the primary condition but also any accompanying health issues.

Emphasis was also placed on the need for timely psychological support for children with short stature and their parents. Possibilities for improving access to drug therapy, preventative check-ups, medical devices, and assistive aids were also discussed.

During the meeting, the possibility of financing part of these activities under Ordinance No. 9 regarding the package of healthcare activities guaranteed by the National Health Insurance Fund budget was considered.