Medicine prices in Bulgaria are higher than those in neighboring countries due to specific market strategies and an orientation towards re-export. This is the thesis presented by orthopedist Dr. Hristo Mazneykov on bTV's program "This Sunday."
The difference in packaging
According to Dr. Mazneykov, a significant difference in the price of identical medications can be due to the different number of tablets in a single pack. As an example, he points to the antibiotic "Augmentin." Based on personal experience in Greece, the doctor purchased a pack for 5 euros, while in a Sofia pharmacy, the price was 15 euros.
The difference arises because, in Bulgaria, the medication is sold in packs of 7 tablets, which, according to the specialist, is a format adopted due to exports to Western markets. In Greece, the product is sold in packs of 6 tablets to limit re-export and preserve it for the local market.
Medicine budget and institutional control
Dr. Mazneykov expresses concern regarding the distribution of funds in the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). He points out that over 40% of the NHIF budget is directed towards medicines, which he believes is an unusual proportion, as in other systems this percentage does not exceed 25%.
"What you are seeing is a second-by-second pickpocketing of ordinary people," he commented, insisting on a stricter pharmaceutical policy.
Proposed solution
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As a solution for greater transparency and price control, the specialist proposes the creation of a specialized platform under the Ministry of Health or the NHIF. According to him, this would allow doctors and hospitals to purchase medications at visible and accessible prices, under the control of the relevant departments within the health insurance fund.