site.btaOmbudsman Approaches Health Minister on Citizen Signals and Complaints Following Introduction of Electronic Prescriptions

Ombudsman Diana Kovacheva referred to Health Minister Hristo Hinkov about the large number of signals of violated rights after the introduction of electronic prescription only for the purchase of antibiotics and medicines for diabetics as of October 16, 2023, Kovacheva's press office said on Friday. 

In her recommendation, she stresses that patients are unable to purchase the necessary medicine for their treatment in a timely manner, with vulnerable groups - the elderly, people with disabilities and especially children - being particularly affected, where the timely initiation of treatment is often crucial for controlling the disease and preventing severe complications. The Ombudsman adds that there are many reports and cases of violation of professional rights of doctors, dentists and veterinarians.

The Ombudsman recommends that an alternative option for prescribing and dispensing with a paper prescription be regulated for these groups of medicines.

Kovacheva points out the most common problems that hinder or render it impossible for citizens to obtain the medicines they need. For example - doctors who do not have the necessary hardware and software for prescribing electronic prescriptions or the technical knowledge to work with them, including medical centres that do not have a contract with the National Health Insurance Fund. Another problem is the lack of a stable internet connection for all operators throughout the country.

She points out that there are elderly doctors with many years of practice who do not have the necessary equipment and/or technical knowledge to use it, as well as dentists who do not have the necessary equipment and software to work with the National Health Information System. She draws attention to the fact that veterinarians also use human medicines to treat pets.