site.btaManufacturers, Importers of Medical Devices Establish MedTech Bulgaria Association

Manufacturers and importers of medical devices established the MedTech Bulgaria association, the Association said on Friday.

Oliver Bisazza, CEO of MedTech Europe, said the organization's goal is to make innovative medical technology accessible to more people while helping health systems become more sustainable. "Our mission is to actively contribute to healthcare policy change in the European Union, to be a trusted partner and to promote the highest ethical standards in the interaction between industry, patients and healthcare institutions," he added.

Alexander Michev, Deputy Chairperson of MedТech Bulgaria, said that according to Eurostat, medical device spending is about 7.6% of health spending in Europe, which equals approximately BGN 110 billion, and the trend is for this amount to grow. According to him, more than half of modern therapies require a co-payment from the patient, and in some cases that co-payment could reach 50%. The aim of the association is to lend a hand to health institutions and all parties involved in the process of approval, financing and implementation of medical devices, so that the Bulgarian patient has access to modern therapies, reducing co-payment amounts, Michev explained.

As of July 1, 2022, the control of medical devices, as well as their repairs, is administered by the National Health Insurance Fund. Previously, it was carried out by the Social Assistance Agency.