Healthcare Costs & Access: A new survey and the Ombudsman both point to Bulgaria’s healthcare system struggling with high out-of-pocket payments, staff shortages, uneven access (especially for elderly and people with disabilities), and administrative barriers—53% of patients report being asked to pay extra. Cardiovascular Focus: The EU is pushing cardiovascular health checks through an EU Screening Week plan, as heart disease remains the EU’s top killer and Bulgaria’s regions rank among the highest. Cancer Survival Gap: Experts say Balkan patients often die more from cancer than in Western Europe due to late diagnosis and weak primary care, not just lack of treatments. Pharma Market Tension: Proposed new drug export rules worry small pharmacies, which fear tighter controls could tilt power toward a few large warehouse players. Innovation in Oncology Tools: A Bulgarian team tested a portable gamma spectrometer prototype to help surgeons locate sentinel lymph nodes, aiming to cut costs and expand access. Demographic Pressure: A World Bank report warns Bulgaria’s population decline continues, but highlights opportunities from better education, improved health, and slower emigration. Food & Food Waste: Bulgaria’s high share of indifference to food waste is highlighted alongside food insecurity concerns. Tourism & Wellness: TUI plans to grow Bulgaria travel through 2030, including a new TUI Blue hotel in Golden Sands opening in summer 2027.