The Cabinet will provide 10.3 million leva to cover a part of the state hospital debts. By October 30 hospitals had accumulated 199 million leva debts. The money was used for the provision of medical supplies and equipment. By the end of the year the sum is expected to reach 220 million leva.
Additional funds will be provided through a change in the health care budget. The Cabinet permitted restructuring of funds, as otherwise the Ministry of Health would not be able to provide payment for a major Siemens agreement for the provision of medical equipment. By the end of the year the Cabinet is expected to provide additional funds to cover hospital debts. Finance Ministry representatives said the national budget would not cover the entire amount of hospital debts, Sega newspaper reported.
It also became clear in 2006 that the Health Ministry would buy smaller amounts of expensive and modern medications. Producers said that quotas for such medicines have been decreased in favour of those for older medications. The ministry is working on the tender procedure for medical supplies.