Bulgarian Health Minister Denies Conflict of Interests

Bulgarian Health Minister Bozhidar Nanev has repeated in a parliamentary investigation that he is not guilty of conflict of interests. Photo by BGNES

Bulgarian Health Minister Bozhidar Nanev has repeated his denial that his recent visit to US raised a conflict of interests, as alleged by a fellow parliamentarian.

Questioned on Friday in the parliamentary control session, Nanev again stated, in answer to a question from socialist MP Anton Kutev, that there was no truth in the charge.

The Health Minister explained that he had visited the US in November 2009 at the expense of the American organic transplant company, "Osteotech".

According to Nanev, travel and accommodation costs were paid by by the Euro-Atlantic Fund and the Federation of American Citizens of Bulgarian Origin, and there was a meeting with representatives of the "Osteotech" company.

The Minister had already declared that the invitation for his visit had been made by the US State Department and the Bulgarian Embassy in Washington.

Kutev, meanwhile, insisted that a conflict of interests was expressed by the fact that Rumen Hichev, who is employed by "Osteotech", is also a member of the management of the non-government organization (NGO) that covered the costs of the visit.

"Mr Hichev clearly appears to be not only the boss of the company, but also of the NGOs, which undoubtedly means that there is a connecting of interests," Kutev stated.

Addressing the health Minister, Kutev continued: "The mere fact that you had a meeting with one of the largest companies in a specific sector, that of transplants, and the fact that on behalf of the Bulgarian side, categorically all current people, and - I underline - future people who will deal with transplants in this country and who will take key positions, were involved, meaning that this visit is not accidental."

Nanev replied: "Dr Hichev is both a participant in, and the president of, these organization, but without a salary. These are public organizations, engaged in activities that are supported in the health sector."

The investigation of the US visit being carried out by the State National Security Agency (DANS) is expected to conclude within two to three weeks.

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