Technological advances and AI enable more accurate diagnoses and effective therapies

What are the leading global trends in the healthcare sector today and does Bulgaria manage to follow them adequately?

Global trends in the healthcare sector are focused on digitization, personalized medicine and sustainability. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telemedicine and the development of eHealth. Advances in technology and Artificial Intelligence enable more accurate diagnoses and effective therapies targeted to patients' specific genetic profiles. At the same time, sustainable healthcare seeks to reduce the carbon footprint and increase resource efficiency.

Although Bulgaria is taking steps towards the integration of these trends, such as the implementation of electronic health records and remote consultations, the country still faces challenges related to limited resources and infrastructure limitations. Effectively following global trends requires significant investment in technology and training, as well as the creation of a regulatory framework to support innovation.

What in the Bulgarian healthcare ecosystem prevents the better implementation of new therapies and personalized medicine?

The Bulgarian healthcare ecosystem faces a number of obstacles that make it difficult to implement new therapies and personalized medicine. Limited funding results in a shortage of modern medical infrastructure and technology, thereby limiting access to innovative treatment. The lack of integration of information systems in health care makes it difficult to exchange medical information and deliver personalized treatment, which requires complex analysis of large volumes of data.

To improve the situation, an increase in healthcare budgets, investments in the training of specialists and modernization of the health infrastructure are necessary.

In terms of early disease detection, accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment, could you explain the role of eHealth and how it helps?

E-health has a key role in improving healthcare by facilitating early detection, accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment. Through the digitization of medical records and the use of information technology, e-health enables rapid access to patient data, which facilitates communication between different specialists and speeds up decision-making in treatment. Implementing intelligent data analytics systems can lead to earlier disease detection and more accurate diagnoses, thereby improving patient outcomes.

Although Bulgaria is taking steps towards the development of e-health, additional efforts in the field of infrastructure and regulations are needed to achieve its full potential.

Digitalization is reaching even the most conservative sectors of the economy. What is the extent of its penetration into the Bulgarian healthcare as a whole and are there any positive examples?

Digitalization is changing the face of healthcare around the world by facilitating access to medical information, optimizing treatment processes and improving interactions between patients and medical professionals.

In Bulgaria, despite the presence of significant potential for development, digitization in health care faces challenges such as limited funding, lack of modern infrastructure and the need for more training for medical staff in the field of IT.

However, there are positive examples, such as the introduction of electronic prescriptions and health records, which show the possibilities for improving the efficiency and quality of healthcare.

To accelerate this process, active support from the public and private sectors is needed, as well as a commitment to achieve widespread adoption of digital technologies among the population.

What smart investments can the Bulgarian state make now to significantly improve the healthcare system and the quality of services for its citizens?

In order to improve the healthcare system and the quality of services, Bulgaria can make a number of smart investments. This includes expanding eHealth infrastructure that will facilitate access to medical services and improve patient care coordination.

Better training and development of medical staff is also critical to ensure quality treatment and the use of new technologies.

The financing of national programs for the prevention and screening of a number of serious diseases is also essential, since at the moment such programs either do not exist or, if they do exist, they are not effective.

Strategic investment in these areas could significantly increase the efficiency and accessibility of healthcare in Bulgaria.

You represent the Japanese pharmaceutical company Astellas - what examples can Bulgaria draw from Japan in terms of the healthcare system?

Bulgaria can learn a lot from Japan's experience in the field of health care, especially in terms of long-term planning and investment in research and development, as well as the focus on the prevention and management of chronic diseases.

Japan boasts one of the highest standards of healthcare in the world, supported by a strong public healthcare system, innovation and an emphasis on prevention.

Lessons to be learned include the importance of investment in health infrastructure and technology, the development of effective public health monitoring systems, and support for an ageing population.

Such approaches could help Bulgaria improve its healthcare system while addressing specific national challenges.

What is the role of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare - what is it used for today in medicine and pharmaceutics?

Artificial Intelligence is playing an increasingly important role in healthcare, providing opportunities to better understand diseases, personalize treatment and optimize the management of healthcare resources. It is used to analyze medical images, predict disease, develop personalized therapies and monitor patient health in real-time.

In Bulgaria, the introduction of AI in medical practice can contribute to improving the quality of diagnosis and treatment, as well as increasing the efficiency of the healthcare system. For its successful integration, it is necessary to consider the regulatory framework, the training of specialists and, of course, the ethical aspects related to its use.

And what will be the human role in the future of healthcare?

Despite the rise of technology and automation, the human factor remains indispensable in healthcare. Doctor-patient interaction is fundamental to diagnosis and treatment, with human empathy and understanding playing a key role in the healing process. The development of interpersonal skills and empathy will continue to be an important aspect of medical education and practice, emphasizing the value of the human element in patient care.

I think that in the future, technologies, such as AI, will complement, not replace, medical professionals by improving the accuracy of diagnoses and the effectiveness of treatment.

How will the increasingly widespread adoption of AI affect the labor market in the health sector? Which professions will be most affected and how?

The massive implementation of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare implies significant changes in the labor market of this sector. Automation of routine tasks can free up nursing staff for more complex and interpersonal functions, increasing the overall efficiency and quality of patient care.

But it may also lead to the need for retraining in some occupations. Healthcare professionals will need to develop new skills related to the use and management of technological tools and data.

Professions that focus on data analytics, medical programming and digital ethics are likely to become more in demand, while traditional roles may change or evolve.

What’s your assessment of the health culture of Bulgarians? Has it improved in recent years, and if it has, what factors have influenced that?

The general health culture in Bulgaria is improving, with more and more people becoming aware of the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle, prevention and early diagnosis of diseases.

This trend is aided by easier access to medical information through the Internet and social networks, as well as the increasing prevalence of health programs and campaigns.

However, there are also challenges related to inequality in access to high-quality health services due to their uneven distribution in the country. Of course, we should not ignore the weight of mistrust in the healthcare system, which is a proverbial factor in Bulgaria. It will be very difficult to overcome myths and hearsay, but it is important not to give up. I believe this will change because I notice that the younger generation is better informed.

What are the big hopes for breakthroughs in medicine and pharmaceutics by the end of the decade?

High hopes for breakthroughs in medicine and pharmacy by the end of the decade include the development of innovative drugs to treat chronic and rare diseases, advances in gene and cell therapy, and the wider application of personalized medicine.

These innovations promise to significantly improve the quality of life and extend the life expectancy of patients.

Translated by Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov