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Publisher: Peytchinski Publishing Ltd.
ISSN: 1312-773X (Online)
Issue: 2025, vol. 31, issue4
Subject Area: Public Health
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DOI: 10.5272/jimab.2025314.6510
Published online: 06 October 2025
Original article
J of IMAB. 2025 Oct-Dec;31(4):6510-6515
ALLOCATION OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURES FOR HOSPITAL MEDICAL CARE: TRENDS AND REGIONAL INEQUALITIES
Zlatina Shotarova
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Department of Public Administration, Faculty Administration and Management, University of National and World Economy, Sofia, Bulgaria.
ABSTRACT:
Purpose: The purpose of this publication is to examine inequalities in the distribution of public expenditures on hospital medical care by statistical regions in Bulgaria for the period 2020-2024.
Methods: To achieve the goal, a DESK analysis of scientific literature, regulatory acts and strategic documents was carried out. An analysis of statistical data from the National Statistical Institute and the National Health Insurance Fund, processed in Microsoft Excel, was conducted as well.
Results: Despite the overall increase in public spending on hospital medical care in Bulgaria between 2020 and 2024, there are significant imbalances both in per capita spending (by statistical region) and in their growth rates, leading to significant and widening health inequalities.
Conclusion: The analysis reveals deepening regional inequalities in the financing of hospital care in Bulgaria, limiting citizens' access to healthcare, which requires urgent measures based on up-to-date information and efficient allocation of resources to build a sustainable people-centred healthcare system.
Keywords: healthcare, public financing, health inequalities,
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Please cite this article as: Shotarova Z. Allocation of public expenditures for hospital medical care: trends and regional inequalities. J of IMAB. 2025 Oct-Dec;31(4):6510-6515. [Crossref - 10.5272/jimab.2025314.6510]
Correspondence to: Zlatina Shotarova, Department "Public Administration", University of National and World Economy – Sofia; 19, December 8th Str., 1700, Sofia, Bulgaria; E-mail: zlatina.shotarova@unwe.bg
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Received: 10 June 2025
Published online: 06 October 2025