NHIF introduces real-time control for medicine prescriptions

Starting June 1, 2025, we are introducing real-time control for the prescription and dispensing of medicinal products, medical devices, and dietary foods for special medical purposes paid for by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). These rules are being implemented following an amendment to the Health Act, which stipulates that when electronic documents are created in the National Health Information System to certify activities paid for by the NHIF, a preliminary automated check must be performed according to NHIF rules. This was stated by Assoc. Prof. Petko Stefanovski, Governor of the NHIF, during a meeting with representatives of Information Services (IS), the Bulgarian Pharmaceutical Union (BPU), and developers of pharmacy and medical software products, according to the Fund’s press center.

Assoc. Prof. Stefanovski expressed his confidence that within the legal deadline—by the end of May 2025—the BPU, IS, and all developers will succeed in completing the process in all medical and health facilities across the country. Good cooperation with the professional organization and their assistance are of key importance for the implementation of this change, emphasized Assoc. Prof. Stefanovski. In this way, the rights of health-insured persons will be fully protected, and at the same time, control over the expenditure of public funds will increase, he added.

The Governor of the NHIF was adamant that only through the timely updating of pharmacy and medical software will tension and disruption of patient access to therapy with medicinal products, medical devices, and foods for special medical purposes paid for by the NHIF be prevented.