Introduction
This topic covers the concept and structure of health policy, the legal basis in the Law of Health, the health problems and national health goals of Bulgaria, the reforms of the health system, and the National Health Strategy. Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Policy is a principle or protocol to guide decisions and achieve rational outcomes.
Strategy, policy and management
- Health strategy: defines the general aim of the policy; long term, sustainable, constant over time.
- Health policy: the main priorities; short term and flexible. Closely related to health strategy and management. It is managed and implemented by the Council of Ministers.
- Health management: provides the realisation of the priorities and the means to achieve the results.
Nature and structure of health policy
The nature of health policy includes the aim, priorities and means (information, law, infrastructure, incentives and motives). Its structure consists of 2 parts:
- Prescriptive part: rehabilitation, treatment, diagnosis and prevention.
- Descriptive part: aims and priorities, health needs, determinants of health.
To build a health policy we need a combination of health resources, health needs, the attitude (consideration) of the public and the position of politics.