The Health Literacy of Bulgarians – The Focus of a Discussion Organized by the Bulgarian Hospital Association

On November 18 (Tuesday) at 4:00 PM, a discussion titled “The Health Literacy of Bulgarians – Key to Better Public Health,” organized by the Bulgarian Hospital Association (BHA), will be held at the InterContinental Hotel, Opera Hall.
The event is dedicated to one of the most critical topics for the future of healthcare in our country – improving health literacy and its role in achieving a longer and higher quality of life.

The discussion will present the results of a nationally representative survey by the Trend agency, which examines the attitudes, knowledge, and behavior of Bulgarians regarding health, prevention, and system financing. The data reveals significant deficits – from a lack of health education among children to seeking medical advice online instead of from a specialist.

The discussion will focus on four main pillars of good health:

1. Awareness and Health Literacy
2. Prevention and Prophylaxis
3. Active and Responsible Lifestyle
4. Harm Reduction from Risk Factors

The panel will seek an answer to the question:
“How can institutions and the professional community improve the health literacy of Bulgarians?”

Expected participants in the panel include Svilena Dimitrova, LL.M. – Chair of the BHA and moderator of the event, Mitko Ganev – Trend agency, Prof. Georgi Momekov, Arkadi Sharkov – health economist, Assoc. Prof. Silvi Kirilov – Ministry of Health, Prof. Kostadin Angelov – Chair of the Health Committee in the National Assembly, Dr. Nikolay Branzalov – President of the Bulgarian Medical Association, Assoc. Prof. Petko Stefanovski – Governor of the NHIF, and Assoc. Prof. Tsvetelina Spiridonova – Vice-Chair of the BHA.

The event features the special participation of hospital associations and is part of the Bulgarian Hospital Association’s initiatives marking the 10th anniversary of its establishment, with health literacy serving as a leading theme throughout the year.