NEWS

On the eve of the 29th anniversary of the Faculty of Public Health, Prof. Dr. Tsekomir Vodenicharov, MD, founder and first dean of the faculty, shared valuable insights into the development of public health in Bulgaria in a special interview.

Prof. Vodenicharov emphasized that public health is a phenomenon in a changing world, representing a complex of different sciences, including social medicine, health economics, health management, health technology assessment, emergency medicine, health care and bioethics. He emphasized the need to create a synthetic general theory of public health that would unite these disciplines through the prism of public interests.

Challenges facing the healthcare system

The professor outlined several key aspects for improving the healthcare system:

1. Paradigm shift: The person, not the patient, should be at the center of the system.
2. Results-based funding: Money should follow the medical, economic and social outcomes achieved.
3. Comprehensive assessment of healthcare managers: It is necessary to develop an assessment methodology that takes into account not only financial indicators.

Vision for the future

Prof. Vodenicharov called for:

• More initiative and entrepreneurship in healthcare
• Greater role of the state in control and planning
• Synchronization between the state and the entrepreneurial spirit of the Bulgarian

"Let health managers arm themselves with strength, knowledge, and determination that they are dedicated to a great cause - to transform the health of the Bulgarian people," concluded Prof. Vodenicharov.

The Faculty of Public Health "Prof. Dr. Tsekomir Vodenicharov, MD" will celebrate its 29th anniversary on October 9th.