Minister Kirilov: The New National Strategy Will Guarantee Equal Access to Healthcare Services for All

The National Strategy for Improving the Accessibility and Capacity of Primary Outpatient Medical Care and for the Balanced Territorial Distribution of Medical Care and Healthcare Services until 2027 was adopted today by the Council of Ministers. The document is part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. The strategy provides for specific measures to overcome the shortage of medical specialists and the imbalance in their distribution. This was reported by the Ministry of Health.

With the adoption of the strategy, the state makes a clear commitment to guarantee equal access to healthcare services for all citizens, regardless of where they live. This was stated by the Minister of Health, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Silvi Kirilov, as quoted by the Ministry of Health.

Key measures include incentives for young people to choose professions in the sector and support for general practitioners in small settlements. Additionally: opening new primary care clinics. According to Minister Kirilov, local policies to attract and retain medical staff will also be encouraged through:

• scholarships,
• provision of housing,
• assistance with employment for family members,
• as well as providing additional remuneration, especially within the primary care system.

The strategy also provides for the introduction of a new remuneration standard. It will be linked to the qualification of medical specialists. Furthermore, the creation of a unified information system for real-time monitoring of their number, qualification, and territorial distribution is planned.

“This will allow us to make informed decisions and direct resources where the shortage is greatest,” emphasized Minister Kirilov.

Another focus is the establishment of consultative health and social units aimed at vulnerable groups, families with children with disabilities and chronic diseases, young mothers, and elderly people at risk of social exclusion.

“With this strategy, we are laying the foundations for a fairer and more balanced healthcare system. I believe that the measures we adopted today will restore people’s trust and ensure a future for Bulgarian healthcare,” Minister Kirilov added, as quoted by the Ministry of Health.