Medical experts warn about preventive care in Bulgaria's healthcare system
Dr. Lilyana Dimitrova and Dr. Mina Markova evaluated the shortcomings of the healthcare system in Bulgaria, the importance of preventive medicine, and the working conditions of doctors.
Senior surgeon Dr. Lilyana Dimitrova and young physician Dr. Mina Markova drew attention to the critical importance of preventive healthcare services, the lack of health awareness in society, and the working conditions faced by doctors in their statements to the Bulgarian National Radio.
The Importance of Preventive Care in Healthcare
It is stated that one of the biggest problems in the healthcare system is that people do not attach enough importance to their own health. Even when patients can access preventive health check-ups, they prefer to postpone examinations due to the anxiety of being diagnosed.
People struggle to grasp that health is their own responsibility rather than the doctors'. Despite the introduction of preventive packages and specialist referrals, there is a reluctance to dedicate time.
Fear of Diagnosis and Uncertainties
It is expressed that patients carry the anxiety that something might be found, and this situation makes cooperation between doctors and patients difficult. The lack of a common and standard approach creates confusion.
Conflicting opinions received from different doctors can cause patients to give up on continuing treatment. The inadequacy of general health awareness in society also exacerbates the problems.
Imbalance in the Distribution of Medical Specialists
It was emphasized that organized preventive health services carried out in the past reached broader masses, but today the responsibility is left to the patient. There are imbalances in the distribution of medical specialists across the country.
The fact that some regions are devoid of specialist physicians leads to delays in the diagnosis and treatment of serious diseases. The concentration of medical services in major cities also stands out as a significant problem.
The Necessity of Information Campaigns
Young physician Dr. Mina Markova argues that more information campaigns with the participation of medical specialists should be organized. Access to reliable information is needed to understand the importance of prevention and timely treatment.
It is stated that supporting patients with understandable information will increase compliance in treatment processes and raise health awareness.
Young Doctors' Decision to Stay in the Country
Despite all the difficulties, it is noted that many young doctors prefer to stay in Bulgaria and believe that change is possible in the sector. Some of the graduating physicians return to their hometowns or small localities.
Despite uncertainties about the future, the desire to stay in the country and serve the public instead of going abroad is evaluated as a hopeful development.
Working Conditions and Income Issues
The necessity for young doctors to work in multiple places to earn a decent living constitutes a significant burden. This situation limits the time allocated for rest and family.
The increase in the workload on healthcare workers negatively affects both individual life and the quality of service.
National Meeting and Participants
Dr. Dimitrova and Dr. Markova shared their views at the 25th National Meeting of the Media, Society, Family, and Traditions Foundation. Doctors, politicians, and media representatives came together at the event.