NHIF buys peace with pricey pay pledge

ByEnigma 808

Bulgaria’s health insurance fund will guarantee minimum monthly salaries of 1,860 euros for doctors without specialties and 1,550 euros for nurses and related medical staff, starting next year. Deputy Health Minister Yavor Penchev said on Thursday that the National Health Insurance Fund supervisory board approved the 2026 budget containing 260 million euros from central government reserves to fund the pay scales.

The amounts match the demands of protesting young physicians who sought 150 percent and 125 percent of the national average wage, respectively. A new provision in medical institution laws will establish these floors permanently rather than requiring annual renewal.

Finance ministry officials and coalition partners endorsed the allocation. Penchev expressed confidence that parliament would pass the measure with minimal changes when lawmakers vote.

The framework agreement between the health fund and the Bulgarian Medical Association will specify implementation procedures. Eligible professionals extend beyond physicians to include pharmacists, dental technicians, paramedics, and laboratory specialists with advanced degrees in biological and chemical sciences.

 

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    Besides writing and being a content creator, Enigma 808 sometimes likes to watch paint dry on walls, listening to ASMR while timing snails racing. Such is life.