News

On September 8^th at the National center of public health and analysis was held the third meeting of the “Healthcare” Sector group which is preparing chapter “Healthcare” in the National Development Program Bulgaria 2020. Members of the expert group are representatives of different structures of the Ministry of health. Due to Center Amalipe’s advocacy efforts non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were also included.

The expert group had the task to work on and develop the document “Brief analysis of “Healthcare” sector, possible areas of intervention, indicative financial resource and method of calculation”. In its draft version the document points three areas of intervention which under the NGO proposal will be extended and further developed. Momchil Baev from Center Amalipe proposed the health integration of the Roma population to be included in this strategic document, whereas the best way to do that is by determining a specific area of intervention “Improvement of access to healthcare of vulnerable ethnic minorities”. Furthermore, four of the main positive practices for improvement of access to healthcare should be included in the document. Those practices have already proved its efficiency and are recognized as successful by the Ministry of health. Namely these are the healthcare and social centers in the community, health mediators, the deinstitutionalization and Roma Health Scholarship Program. The other members of the expert group supported as a principle the proposals.

The next sitting of the work group will be held on September 13^th.