Lack of money to block the vote for additional funds allocation to the NHIF

"The promised amount of BGN 350 mln for the NHIF (National Health Insurance Fund) is likely not to be voted tomorrow (editor's note - today) at the session of the Council of Ministers," said yesterday Deputy Minister of Finance, Ana Mihaylova. She announced that the funds may be granted, if her office finds where to take them from. "It is decided a total of BGN 350 mln would be allocated in case revenues turn out more than projected," explained Mihaylova. She added that the issue had been a difficult one since the budget, adopted by the National Assembly under particular parameter and passed under pressure from various lobbies and informal systems, needs to receive additional resources, which are non-existent at the moment. "At this stage, there is no deficit in the National Health Insurance Fund. The 2% increase of health contributions aims to achieve balanced budget 2010," commented further Mihaylova. The NHIF also calculated yesterday that its budget would increase by another BGN 300 mln should the contribution go up from 8 to 10%.

At the emergency session of the Supervisory Board on Monday, the NHIF adopted amendments to the 2010 NHIF Budget Act. They will be submitted to the Council of Ministers by the Minister of Health, Dr. Bozhidar Nanev today. After that, they would be voted at the National Assembly. The NHIF announced also that the health contributions increase was envisaged to enter into force as of April 1, this year.

Despite the Government's promises to allocate more funds to the healthcare system, yesterday GPs continued their protests. They were also joined by doctors in Sofia and its district, from Pazardjik, Haskovo, Targovishte, Yambol, Shumen, Razgrad and Dobrich. In the capital, the protest of general practitioners took place in the 29 Diagnostic Consultation Center. Overall, nearly 250 primary care physicians participated in it.