This issue was discussed at a board meeting of the Ministry of Health, which was attended by the heads of more than 220 primary health care institutions from all over the country, as well as representatives of mayoralties and district councils.
The Ministry of Health conducted an analysis which showed that the system faces imbalances and structural problems, such as unequal access to health services, staff shortages, organizational and managerial fragmentation. Currently, the family doctor spends, on average, about 40% of his time on documentation and reporting.
The Ministry of Health intends to change this situation through a reform aimed at creating “an equitable, functional, sustainable and patient-centered primary health care system.”
Among the priority measures is the reorganization of the primary health care network through its consolidation. It is also planned to introduce an effective coordination mechanism at the territorial level and changes in management.
At the same time, the role of district health centers will be strengthened, which will coordinate the activities of health care providers and monitor indicators of accessibility, quality and satisfaction of the population. Special attention will be paid to improving access to health services for the population in rural areas and modernizing infrastructure.
These measures are planned to be implemented through simplified reporting, digitalization of services and introduction of electronic medical records by 2027.
According to Minister Emil Ceban, primary health care is the backbone of the health care system and the first contact of a citizen with medical services. The quality of this level determines the perception of the entire health care system.
We shall remind you that the previous reform in the health care system provided for the transfer of district hospitals from the subordination of district councils to the Ministry of Health.
