Health minister Katya Ivkova says she expects talks on the collective labour agreement for the health sector to end in a deal. She spoke at a meeting of parliament's health committee, where she answered questions from MPs.
"At this stage we are still negotiating the collective labour agreement for the health sector, and I think we'll find a solution," Ivkova said. The sector's last agreement expired on April 12, 2024.
Under the national framework contract, funding for hospital care and the rates for clinical pathways have gone up, the minister explained. Hospitals themselves set staff pay.
Ivkova said talks with MPs should continue on staffing in the system, how stretched medical workers are, staff shortages and extra payments made by patients.
The ministry has also opened more funded training places for specialists, including for nurses.