Hospital costs have increased by 85% over four years, reports the BHA

Average costs of healthcare facilities in Bulgaria increased by 85% during the 2021–2025 period. This is shown by data released by the Bulgarian Hospital Association.

In 2025 alone, hospital costs increased by an average of nearly 18%. The most significant growth was recorded in medical supplies—up 35% in a single year. Spending on medications increased by 103% compared to 2021, making it the fastest-growing expense.

During the same period, the national consumer price index rose by 41%. This indicates that healthcare facility costs are rising more than twice as fast as inflation.

The data shows that the increase spans all major expenditure categories. In addition to medications, there was significant growth in medical supplies and devices—up 93%. Overhead costs (electricity, water, air conditioning) also saw an increase, rising by 26%. The sharpest spike in these costs occurred in 2022 due to the energy crisis. Despite subsequent partial stabilization, electricity prices remain nearly twice as high as they were during the COVID-19 period.

Personnel costs represent the second-largest category, marking a 74% increase over the period under review. This is attributed to the rise in the minimum wage, social security thresholds, periodic indexation, and the necessity of retaining and attracting staff amid a shortage of doctors and nurses.

The association emphasizes that labor costs can hardly be reduced without risking the system’s staffing levels. At the same time, hospitals are in a more vulnerable position than other sectors; in addition to facing stronger inflationary pressure, they operate within a restricted funding model.

According to the Bulgarian Hospital Association, the observed trends indicate sustained and deepening financial pressure on the hospital sector. The organization calls for a broad public and expert debate on healthcare pricing and funding, as well as a reassessment of the hospital care funding model to ensure the system’s sustainability in the medium term.