Ministry of Health Proposes "Healthcare Services" Standard

The Ministry of Health has published a draft Ordinance for the approval of a medical standard for “Healthcare Services” for public consultation. This is the first comprehensive standard in Bulgaria that defines the minimum requirements for the organization and quality of healthcare services provided by nurses, midwives, laboratory technicians, and rehabilitators, according to the Ministry of Health.

Its adoption will introduce a clear methodology, particularly regarding the planning of the required number of healthcare specialists in all medical facilities. This is expected to ensure uniform rules and quality criteria across the country, while also guaranteeing better patient access to safe and effective care.

European best practices were utilized in the development of the standard. The methodologies were created based on proposals and with the active participation of the Bulgarian Association of Healthcare Professionals.

Medical facilities will have a transitional period of up to one year for adaptation, with the introduction of the new rules being phased in over five years. The Ordinance is part of Bulgaria’s commitments under the Recovery and Resilience Plan and aims to overcome the shortage and uneven distribution of nurses and midwives, as well as to ensure better quality of healthcare and protect patient rights.

View the full draft standard here.