Bulgaria's Healthcare System Under Fire: Disability Advocate's Fight for Funding

Bulgaria's Healthcare System Faces Scrutiny: A Disability Rights Advocate's Plea Sofia, Bulgaria – A young Bulgarian woman, using intermittent catheters due to spina bifida and hydrocephalus, is highlighting the ongoing struggle faced by many in securing essential medical supplies. Despite a recent legal victory against the state for discrimination, she points out the continued inadequacy of financial support provided by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). "The NHIF only provides 72 leva a month, which is barely 15-20% of what I need for catheters," she explains in a recent video appeal. "The price of the cheapest catheter has risen to 72 stotinki per piece." This highlights the severe financial burden placed on individuals with disabilities. Her advocacy work with the "Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Bulgaria" association has led to a legal victory against the state, but the financial reality remains a major obstacle. The association is now pushing for an increase in the monthly limit for catheter funding to 510 leva, a proposal currently under review by the National Assembly. This ongoing struggle underscores the need for improved healthcare accessibility and adequate financial support for individuals with disabilities in Bulgaria. The resolution of this issue is expected by July 31st of this year, offering a glimmer of hope for those affected.