The debt of state-owned hospitals has decreased by six per cent until May 31.

Long-term and short-term debts of hospitals total 173 865 leva, a report of Health Minister Radoslav Gaidarski shows.

Expenditure for medicines and medical supplies reached 82 600 leva.

According to the analysis hospital activity has become more intense. The number of patients accepted increased, which in turn would boost hospital income, the report said.

The Health Ministry and the National Health Insurance Fund already analysed the financial status of hospitals. Each month until the end of the year the two institutions would evaluate the financial plans of medical institutions and their budget execution.

In order to make medical services more efficient the Health Ministry was considering changes to health insurances, the report said.

In the coming months the ministry would examine healthcare regulations to define the role and function of all institutions involved in the treatment process. These are needed to synchronise Bulgarian practices with European standards.