If the pharmacists and the NHIF do not reach an agreement by tomorrow, from April 1 pharmacies will not dispense fully or partially paid medicines, unless the patient pays for them himself.

This was said by Dimitar Marinov, chairman of the Bulgarian Pharmaceutical Union.

The negotiations stopped because of new proposals of the NHIF, which are unacceptable to pharmacists.

Marinov participated in a conference dedicated to innovations in hospitals and medical equipment.

If an annex to the current contract between the NHIF and the pharmaceutical union is not signed, the NHIF will have no reason to pay the pharmacies that sell reimbursed medicines.

A few days ago, the Bulgarian Pharmaceutical Union expressed a position stating that they will not agree to drop Article 17 of their contract with the NHIF, which states that the pharmacy can dispense less than the prescribed amount of medicine if the patient expresses a desire and consent.

The NHIF insists that this option be dropped in order to strictly follow the therapy prescribed by the doctor.

Is there a danger that patients will be left without medicines under the National Health Insurance Scheme from April 1?

The Bulgarian Pharmaceutical Union insists that the validity of the current contract be extended until the end of April, and the NHIF insists that it be extended until the end of May, reports BTA. 

Marinov added that their opinion was sent to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Health, the Supervisory Board of the NHIF and the Acting Director.

the manager of the NHIF, but so far there are no conversations with anyone.

NHSOC

medicines

The Bulgarian Pharmaceutical Union