State-owned hospitals in Bulgaria are carrying liabilities of approximately 426 million euros, with more than 21 million euros classified as overdue, Health Minister Katya Ivkova announced during a briefing outlining the major challenges facing the healthcare system. According to the minister, 17 state hospitals currently rely on bank financing, highlighting the financial strain across the sector. While five different banks have extended loans to healthcare facilities, the majority of the borrowing is concentrated with a single lender.
Ivkova also warned that Bulgaria risks losing funding from externally financed projects worth an estimated 56.7 million euros. A detailed review of the affected projects is still pending, but the minister attributed the danger primarily to significant delays in implementation over the past three years.
Presenting data from a report she requested on staffing levels, outstanding obligations, and ministry finances, Ivkova said the Ministry of Health had spent 188.38 million euros by April 30, 2026. Of that amount, 32 million euros were transferred to the National Health Insurance Fund, while another 56 million euros were allocated to servicing liabilities. At the same time, unpaid expenditures totaling around 12 million euros remain outstanding.
