Bulgaria is facing a critical shortage of pharmacies in 22 municipalities, leaving many residents without access to essential medications.
This issue has become increasingly severe in recent years, with some areas having no pharmacies at all and others relying on a single pharmacy that does not operate during nighttime hours.
In response, a new bill introduced to parliament at the end of July seeks to address these challenges through various measures, including the establishment of state-run pharmacies, tax incentives, and the installation of medicine vending machines.
The growing number of municipalities without a functioning pharmacy has had a profound impact on the local populations, forcing residents to travel long distances, depend on relatives, or rely on intermediaries to obtain necessary medications.
These areas, while relatively small in population, are experiencing significant hardships due to the lack of accessible pharmaceutical services.
Petya Georgieva from the Institute for Market Economy spoke about the situation during an interview with Nova TV, emphasizing the need for market regulation adjustments to improve access to medications.
“Facilitating online sales and courier distribution of medicines could be beneficial,” Georgieva suggested, highlighting potential solutions to the crisis.
The proposed bill aims to establish state-run pharmacies in underserved areas, which would ensure that residents have access to essential medications regardless of the market conditions.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions for offering tax incentives to encourage the opening of new pharmacies in these regions.
The installation of medicine vending machines is another innovative solution included in the proposal, providing a 24/7 option for residents to obtain their medications.
Despite these proposed measures, concerns remain about the potential inequalities that could arise from selectively reducing tax rates for certain areas.
Georgieva pointed out that while 173 pharmacies have utilized incentives to open new locations, the uneven distribution of these benefits could lead to disparities in access to pharmaceutical services across the country.
In many of the affected areas, pharmacists still prepare medicines on-site, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
The traditional preparation of medications requires specialized knowledge and equipment, which can be challenging to maintain in regions with limited resources and support.
This practice, while essential in some cases, further complicates the efforts to provide consistent and reliable access to medications.
The introduction of the new bill marks a significant step towards addressing the pharmacy shortage crisis in Bulgaria.
By implementing state-run pharmacies, tax incentives, and medicine vending machines, the government aims to create a more equitable and accessible pharmaceutical landscape for all residents.
However, the success of these measures will depend on careful planning and implementation to ensure that the benefits are distributed fairly and effectively across the country.
As the parliament considers the proposed bill, the voices of those affected by the pharmacy shortages continue to highlight the urgent need for action.
The experiences of residents in these underserved municipalities serve as a stark reminder of the importance of accessible healthcare services and the critical role that pharmacies play in maintaining public health.