Bulgaria FBI Investigates Ex Bulgaria Govt Medicine Policy

Nanev stated that DANS is particularly studying the principles of negotiation with drug companies used by the ex-government and suspected cartel agreements. Photo by Sofia Photo Agency

Bulgaria’s State National Security Agency (DANS) is currently investigating the ‘medicines policy’ of the former Bulgaria socialist led government, Health Minister Bozhidar Nanev reported Friday.

Nanev, speaking in an interview on Nova TV, stated that DANS is particularly studying the principles of negotiation with drug companies used by the ex-government and suspected cartel agreements.

Nanev also stated that he was surprised that diabetes sufferers in Bulgaria have to pay for their insulin. “This pricing issue of insulin is a problem that is a legacy from the previous government,” he added.

Late Thursday Bulgaria's Health Ministry announced they will be looking for solutions in the issue of the insulin price hike for diabetic patients.

The Health Ministry stated they will submit next week a proposal to the Council of Ministers for changes in the way medication prices are established.

Beginning December 1, Bulgarian diabetic patients, using the Novo Nordisk medication, have to pay BGN 5 for insulin, despite the fact that the National Health Insurance Fund (NZOK) should fully cover the cost. This became necessary because the price charged by Novo Nordisk was in excess of the legal limit set for payment by the NZOK. The company has refused to come to an agreement with the Bulgarian Health Ministry, and has tied the government hands, the former Health Minister, Evgeni Zhelev, said as early as May.

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