Bulgarian court ruling prompts calls for reimbursement rethink

Bulgaria’s Supreme Administrative Court has cancelled the mechanism guaranteeing the predictability and sustainability of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) budget for drugs for 2021.

In some cases, this mechanism has led to companies paying into the budget of the NHIF sums that exceed the revenues realized from the sale of innovative medicinal products, according to trade group the Association of Scientific Research Pharmaceutical Manufacturers in Bulgaria.

"The main priority should remain in accelerating the access of innovation to Bulgarian patients and building a sustainable model for financing the health care system"It was concluded by the court that, in combination with the obligation of pharma companies to supply sufficient quantities to meet the health needs of the population, the mechanism contradicts the norms of the Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria, regulating the protection of property rights, free economic initiative, equal treatment and investments.