The Bulgarian Ministry of Health is launching inspections of medical facilities across all 28 regions of the country to identify potential violations relating to the quality and safety of medical care and the proper use of public funds.
The inspections were ordered by Minister of Health Katya Ivkova following findings made after an operation by the prosecutor’s office and police at University Hospital “St. George” in Plovdiv. The Executive Agency for Medical Supervision (IAMS), the Regional Health Inspectorates (RHIs) and the Executive Agency for Medicines (EAML) will take part in the inspections, each acting within its respective remit.
“This case is an occasion for us to launch inspections throughout the country. We do not want to create unnecessary tension, but to be absolutely sure that we have quality healthcare, safety for patients and that the funds in the system are spent correctly and appropriately,” said Minister Katya Ivkova.
Particular attention will be paid to medicinal products, including high-cost therapies. Inspectors will check their storage, traceability and dispensing, as well as whether any expired medicines are present. Barcode tracking will be used to establish which patients the medicines were intended for and whether the requirements for their subsequent destruction have been met.
The inspections will also examine processes in outpatient care, including medical documentation and the patient’s pathway to the Territorial Expert Medical Commission (TELC). The aim is to identify potential violations and cases of improperly reported medical activities.
In response to suspicions of fictitious hospital admissions, the Ministry will seek the assistance of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to carry out joint inspections. By comparing data from the relevant control systems, the authorities will check for potential fraudulent reporting of medical activities and improper use of public funds.
“There is enough information that can draw attention to potential irregularities. Therefore, it is important to combine on-site inspections with the analysis of data in the information systems of the NHIF and the National Health Information System,” Minister Ivkova said.
Alongside the inspections, the Ministry of Health is working with Information Services to expand the capabilities of electronic healthcare. Under the planned changes, patients will be able to access information through the eHealth system about the costs reported for their treatment in both hospital and outpatient care. They will also be able to submit reports if they identify discrepancies. This information will help authorities identify cases requiring further investigation.
The inspections will also assess how medical facilities organise their work and internal control procedures. Once completed, their findings will be compared with the results of internal reviews conducted by hospital management teams to determine what further action may be necessary.
Minister Ivkova stressed that the inspections must provide a clear picture of any violations in each area and the measures taken by the competent authorities.
