Privatisation of state-owned hospitals in Bulgaria could begin in the second half of 2007, Health Minister Radoslav Gaidarski said.

Once National Assembly lifts the moratorium on the privatisation of healthcare institutions, the Health Ministry is ready to take action, Gaidarski said.

Until the decision is taken no action can be undertaken Gaidarski said. The ministry could work only on public-private partnership and concessions, he said.

Funds allocated for healthcare in Bulgaria are insufficient, Gaidarski said. State budget provides two billion leva.

Gaidarski said that Belgium has the same population as Bulgaria but allocated 20 billion euro to healthcare.