Abstract
Bulgaria is one of the least developed European countries of the former Soviet
bloc. This report is ideal for executives wanting to understand the key
drivers in the medical market and have access to a wealth of statistical data,
including five-year market projections. Included with the report are 3 free
quarterly updated outlook reports, enabling you to keep up to date with market
developments for a year.
Includes 3 quarterly updated outlook reports!
Along with Romania, Bulgaria represents one of the least developed European
countries of the former Soviet bloc. However, the economy has been subject to
ongoing reform since 1997, due to the transfer of power from the Communist
Party to more reform-minded governments. The more recent economic reforms were
driven by the prospect of EU membership, which was attained in January 2007.
As with national policy, the healthcare system did not improve until the
election of a more democratic government in 1997. Health reform projects
operational since 2000 have aimed to improve the quality of and access to
healthcare and place more emphasis on primary care. National health insurance
was introduced in 2000. Although reforms have been well co-ordinated, progress
has been hampered by financial problems and outdated information systems.
The huge demand for new medical equipment is not mirrored by the healthcare
facilities' ability to pay for it. Hospitals still have large outstanding
debts and the government is frequently required to heavily subsidise them.
Bulgaria has a number of small medical equipment manufacturers. Production is
often of a high scientific standard, in many cases built on decades of
Soviet-era research. As elsewhere in Eastern Europe, however, capitalisation
remains poor and production is rarely a match for imported equipment.
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