Kostadin Kostadinov: Private hospitals should not be funded by the NHIF

The leader of the 'Vazrazhdane' party, Kostadin Kostadinov, presented a categorical position regarding the healthcare financing model in Bulgaria. In an interview with BNR, he stated that private hospitals should not receive funds from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

According to Kostadinov, the private sector benefits from the advantages of the state healthcare system without bearing its burdens, while simultaneously choosing which patients to treat. He added that introducing public procurement rules for private medical structures will not solve the fundamental problems, as they are already limited by certain price limits for medicines and products.

In the context of healthcare reform, Kostadinov shared that his party will propose the creation of private health insurance funds, despite the expected resistance from the ruling authorities.

Criticism of the President and foreign policy
During the conversation, the leader of 'Vazrazhdane' made sharp criticisms of President Rumen Radev and the ruling coalition 'We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria'. He accused the President of hypocrisy and a lack of consistency, pointing to his refusal to hold a referendum regarding the introduction of the euro as an example of voter disappointment.

Kostadinov also commented on energy projects, including those surrounding the 'Belene' NPP and potential cooperation with Ukraine in the gas sector. He expressed skepticism regarding the financial benefits of gas transit through Bulgaria, stating that Ukraine is in heavy economic dependence on international aid and will not be able to provide significant revenues for the Bulgarian state.

Finally, the leader of 'Vazrazhdane' made a prediction for the political situation, noting that despite the lack of clear opposition at the moment, the accumulating frustration of citizens with the President's policies could lead to mass protests in the future.