Bulgaria - Medical Device Industry and Other Information

Shown below you will find some basic demographic and economic data, plus information specific to the medical device and healthcare industry.

Capital city: Sofia

Total area: 111 000 km²

Population: 7.2 million

Currency: Lev

Language: Bulgarian

Structure of population: 
0-14 years: 13.8%
15-64 years: 68.5%
65 years and over: 17.7% (2009 est.)

Healthcare expenditures: $754 per capita  (at int. $ rate, 2007 data)

Number of hospitals: 318 (2006 data)

Healthcare financing: The Bulgarian healthcare financing system is in its early stage of transition. Since 2006 the funding system based on actual costs has been changing to the DRG system. The full implementation is expected to be completed in few years.

Medical device industry: Bulgaria belongs among the least developed EU countries of the former Soviet bloc. The medical device market is estimated at $230 million in 2009. The market is expected to grow at a rate of 12.4% annually. Although this market is growing it still offers limited opportunities for importers. Imported medical devices represent about three quarters of the market. There is a huge demand for new medical equipment but the large debts of hospitals do not allow the purchase of necessary equipment. The government is frequently required to subsidize them. The Bulgarian medical device market is characterized by small medical equipment manufacturers. Production of medical devices was estimated at €6.2 million.