site.btaLack of Regular Monitoring of Bulgarian Patients on Transplant Waiting Lists Complicates Transplant Process - Health Minister

The lack of regular monitoring of the health status of patients on Bulgaria's transplant waiting lists complicates the transplant process, caretaker Health Minister Galya Kondeva said here Friday. She was speaking on the sides of the annual conference of the European Hemophilia Consortium, taking place in Sofia.

Those waiting for a liver or heart transplant are in most cases followed up by transplantologists, but for those waiting for a kidney transplant, their current condition is most likely not reflected in the registry in time, Dr. Kondeva explained.

The main problem with transplants is organizational. A network of transplant coordinators has been created, but there is probably some problem in their work, she added and recalled that there is a National Programme for the Promotion of Donation and Support for Transplantation in the Republic of Bulgaria 2024 - 2028, adopted by the Council of Ministers, providing financing. "We will improve the organization so that the organs can reach the transplant teams and ultimately the patients in need on time," the Minister added.

"These organizational problems must be solved because they are the reason why organs are sent abroad or not transplanted at all because of their late arrival to the recipient," she added.

This year, the Bulgarian association is hosting the regular annual conference of the European Hemophilia Consortium, which is a great recognition for the efforts to improve the treatment options for hemophilia patients, Minister Kondeva addressed the forum participants. 

"Our common goal is to improve the quality of life of patients in a medical and social aspect," added the Minister of Health.