Without Healthcare Reform, NZOK Budget Update Is Pointless - Datzov

A potential increase in funding for the National Health Insurance Fund, NZOK, will make no sense now, according to former deputy finance minister Lyubomir Datzov.

It will be an absolute waste of taxpayers’ money to boost NZOK funding in the absence of much-needed overhaul of Bulgaria’s healthcare system, BGNES newswire quoted Datzov as saying on Tuesday as parliament prepared to discuss extending a lifeline to the state-run health insurer.

NZOK is facing a deficit of nearly BGN 330 M (EUR 165 M) that is threatening its operations in the second half of the year.

According to Datzov, who had served as deputy finance minister in two successive Bulgarian governments between 2003 and 2009, NZOK will be in the red again next year irrespective of the additional funding that parliament may decide to extend just days before its dissolution.

Bulgarian political parties have agreed to dissolve the 240-seat chamber on August 6, to open the way for early elections after the government led by Prime Minister Plamen Oresharski resigned last week.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!