site.btaDisease Prevention Is Government's Top Priority in Health Care

Sofia, August 15 (BTA) - Disease prevention is the government's top priority in the health care sector, Health Minister Nikolai Petrov told reporters.

The aim is to achieve a maximum quality of life by reducing early deaths through better prevention and control of chronic non-communicable diseases, broader screening and regular testing. The government is planning to raise the public's awareness.

Petrov said the thrust of the programme is on improved competence of health professionals, health education at school, a wider scope of immunization, better control by the regional health inspectorates, a new remuneration model for doctors, prevention among at-risk groups, and improved treatment of drug dependents.

Regarding medicine policy, the re-export of medicines will be restricted where it leads to a shortage of medicines on the domestic market. A mechanism will be put in place to ensure the supply of medicines unavailable in Bulgaria and to improve the reimbursement policy. A national register of medical products paid for with public funds will be drawn up. A public debate is starting on the demonopolization of the National Health Insurance Fund.

Petrov also discussed e-health care, the development of a single database, improved access to medical care, incentives for doctors working in unfavourable conditions, and introducing integrated social services.