A total of 32 hospitals cannot conclude contracts with NHIF

"Some 32 hospitals that have submitted documents, cannot conclude contracts with the National Healthcare Insurance Fund (NHIF)," Health Minister, Bozhidar Nanev, said on bTV yesterday. "Among them are the hospitals in Rudozem, Tervel, Trun, Breznik, Lyubimets, Tsarevo, Ivailovgrad, Godech, and Kula. These medical establishments are formally existing as hospitals at present and can become centres for outpatient care," he explained.

"These medical establishments have the necessary equipment for some tests, as well as specialists, but they cannot accept bedridden patients for active treatment," commented Nanev. He explained that there would be many hospitals, whereby not all units which had so far worked with the NHIF would be able to continue to function. However, Nanev was adamant that the divisions, that have the required specialists and equipment and apply the necessary medical standards, would be able to close contracts with the NHIF.

"We have not said that we would be closing down hospitals. What we are doing is setting certain rules for hospitals' operation and for servicing patients," Nanev pointed out. Regarding emergency medical aid, Nanev said it was fairly well structured on a territorial principle, with 198 units and 26 regional medical centres. "The main problem with these structures is the shortage of staff," commented Nanev. He added that currently documents for the regulation of emergency medical offices to be established, were being prepared.