National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) Governor Petko Stefanovski has stepped down, citing a lack of political backing needed to continue his work without creating instability within the healthcare system.
In a statement announcing his resignation, Stefanovski said the decision was driven by the increasingly difficult political environment surrounding the institution. “It is clear to everyone that I do not have the political support necessary to work calmly and without causing turbulence in the system. I believe that my resignation is the right decision. Healthcare needs calm, stability and predictability,” he said.
Reflecting on his tenure, Stefanovski highlighted several initiatives carried out by the NHIF leadership, including the digitalization of key processes and broader electronic modernization of the institution. He also pointed to efforts aimed at strengthening oversight and improving healthcare services. “We improved oversight activities and proposed a number of changes to optimize them. We focused our efforts on improving access to and the quality of medical care for Bulgarian citizens,” he stated.
The resignation comes amid mounting political pressure on the Fund’s leadership. On June 9, the parliamentary group of Progressive Bulgaria submitted draft resolutions seeking the early dismissal of both Stefanovski and Deputy Governor Momchil Mavrov. Shortly afterward, Democratic Bulgaria called for Mavrov’s resignation, describing him as “one of the symbols of corrupt practices in Bulgarian healthcare.” The Movement for Rights and Freedoms also demanded the removal of the entire NHIF management team.
