Yesterday, October 16^th, 2023, the international conference “For a more sustainable healthcare system in Bulgaria” was held, organized by the Bulgarian-Swiss Chamber of Commerce (BSCC), German-Bulgarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (GBICC), American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria (ACB) in partnership with the Digital Health Innovation Cluster (DHI Cluster). The event took place at the Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia and was attended by Prof. Dr. Kostadin Angelov, Chairman of the Health Committee at the 49th National Assembly, Prof. Dr. Hristo Hinkov, Minister of Health, Alexander Yolovski, Minister of eGovernment and Milena Stoicheva, Minister of Innovation and Growth. The Conference was attended by key stakeholders in the field such as representatives of associations and patient organizations, professionals from the sector, academic representatives, media, and others with whom the organizers will continue to be in active and productive contact to achieve common goals.

The conference is a logical continuation of the joint efforts started over three years ago by the three bilateral chambers in search of a transparent public dialogue between the stakeholders in the health sector. The three business associations propose the possible establishment of an effective format of cooperation to hold an open discussion to build consensus on the necessary steps to improve the health of Bulgarian citizens and the subsequent development of the health sector in the country.

The goals include:

• bringing together key stakeholders of the health sector in Bulgaria in an effective working format;
• discussing and proposing common actions for predictable and preventive health care in the country; and
• defining the next collaborative steps.

The event welcomed Rifat Atun, Professor of Global Health Systems at the Department of Public Health, Harvard University, USA. He presented the solutions that an integrated healthcare system based on the real needs of the patient can provide. Professor Atun stressed that it is important not only to innovate in health solutions but also in those for greater efficiency of the health system in its entirety. He noted that this can only happen when we combine digitalization, focused investments, and infrastructure improvement into one focused strategic process.

More information at: https://amcham.bg/2023/10/27/amcham-swiss-german-chambers-call-for-reforms-and-more-cooperation-towards-high-value-healthcare-system-in-bulgaria/