Public health

Covid-related deaths dropped slightly to 15 in the period from July 17 to 23 from 16 the week before that, the National Public Health Organization (EODY) confirmed in its weekly bulletin on Thursday.

The number of patients who had to be intubated, seven, marked a 75% rise compared to the four-week average before it.

30 are the persons newly diagnosed with coronavirus infection in Bulgaria in the past 24 hours, 2 of which were detected by PCR, and 28 by rapid antigen tests. 73.33% of the new cases proven in the last 24 hours are of persons who have not been vaccinated.

The National Assembly has passed a bill that transforms supplementary health insurance, a flat-rate monthly payment that is voluntary but needed for most health services, into a mandatory contribution attached to regular health insurance premiums. From next year, the payments will no longer be collected by private insurers.

The Chairman of the Bulgarian Medical Union, Dr. Ivan Madzharov, expresses his approval for the priorities announced by the new Minister of Health, Prof. Hristo Hinkov - to stop the uncontrolled growth of the healthcare network in the country and to reduce the co-payments made by patients.

11.5% of inhabited dwellings in Bulgaria do not have an indoor toilet, 6.9% do not have a bathroom at home. 0.2% of dwellings in cities and 0.7% - in villages are without a source of water, according to data published today by the National Statistical Institute on housing conditions, collected during the fall 2021 census.

Party leaders focused on the issue of health on the campaign trial on Friday, with New Democracy's leader saying the issue was a top priority and SYRIZA's leader accusing the conservatives of having a "secret agenda" for hospitals.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Asen Medzhidiev, will initiate changes to the Health Law to allow for the abolition of the mandatory isolation of persons sick with COVID-19, as well as the mandatory quarantine of the contacts of these persons.

On May 5, the World Health Organization lifted the Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to COVID-19.

An online petition in Kosovo calling for the lowering or removal of VAT on menstrual products such as menstrual pads, tampons, cups and underwear, has received over 5,600 signatures in just three days.

On May 11, vaccination requirements for travelers to the US and government employees will end, announced the White House.

The Greek agency for pharmaceuticals, EOF, has announced a ban on the distribution and sale of Tork Alcohol Gel Hand Sanitizer, a product marketed as an antiseptic hand gel. According to the announcement, the product has not been approved by EOF, despite being promoted as an effective antiseptic.