Warsaw, Poland, 16 June 2026 – MedTech Bulgaria participated in the POLMED Conference 2026, “MedTech: Foundation of Health Security – Poland and Europe Facing New Challenges,” held in Warsaw on 16 June 2026. The conference brought together healthcare leaders, policymakers, healthcare providers, patient organizations, and representatives of the medical technology industry to discuss the role of medical technologies in strengthening health systems, supporting critical healthcare infrastructure, and addressing emerging challenges across Europe.
MedTech Bulgaria was represented by its Chairperson, Tsveta Yotsova, who joined regional leaders and stakeholders in discussions focused on reimbursement systems across Central and Eastern Europe, innovation, patient access, healthcare sustainability, and the future of health security in Europe.
The event was exceptionally well organized and featured strong institutional participation from across Poland. Among the attendees were representatives of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the Ministry of Health, healthcare authorities, and other public institutions responsible for healthcare policy and security. The conference also attracted broad participation from industry, hospitals, healthcare professionals, and patient organizations, reflecting the growing recognition of medical technologies as a strategic component of national and European health security.
As the association representing the medical devices and in vitro diagnostics industry in Bulgaria, MedTech Bulgaria contributed to discussions on innovation, access to medical technologies, healthcare sustainability, and cross-border collaboration in Central and Eastern Europe.
A particularly valuable part of the conference was the opportunity to exchange experiences with representatives of national MedTech associations from across the region, including Vladimir Micieta (SK+MED, Slovakia), Miroslav Palát (CzechMed, Czech Republic), Jurica Tot (CROMED, Croatia), Paul Radu (AFPM, Romania), and Joanna Mirosz (POLMED, Poland).
The discussions highlighted the many common challenges facing healthcare systems and the medical technology sector across Central and Eastern Europe. For MedTech Bulgaria, one of the youngest associations in the region, the meeting provided valuable insights into the organizational models, advocacy activities, and long-term development strategies of more established organizations. POLMED, which has represented the medical technology industry in Poland for more than 24 years, shared extensive experience and perspectives on industry engagement, policy dialogue, and stakeholder collaboration.
A key topic of discussion was the importance of strengthening cooperation among MedTech associations across the region. Participants explored opportunities for joint initiatives, knowledge exchange, and coordinated efforts to improve patient access to innovative medical technologies and support sustainable healthcare systems.
The conference also provided an opportunity to discuss the recently published CEE Region Report on Medical Device Reimbursement, developed through the collaboration of regional MedTech associations, including MedTech Bulgaria. The report was recognized by participants as an important contribution to understanding reimbursement systems and access pathways across Central and Eastern Europe. Many participants emphasized that the report represents a valuable foundation that should be further developed and updated annually to support evidence-based policy discussions and regional collaboration.
During the conference, MedTech Bulgaria shared perspectives on the Bulgarian healthcare environment, including the challenges associated with recent years of political instability and repeated election cycles. At the same time, the association expressed optimism that a more stable political environment could create better conditions for long-term healthcare planning, reforms, and investments.
A central message from MedTech Bulgaria was the importance of building strong partnerships between healthcare authorities, policymakers, healthcare professionals, patient organizations, and industry. Ensuring timely access to innovative medical technologies requires continuous dialogue, shared objectives, and collaborative action across the healthcare ecosystem.
MedTech Bulgaria reaffirmed its commitment to working constructively with the Bulgarian Ministry of Health and all relevant stakeholders to improve patient access to innovation, strengthen healthcare sustainability, and support the modernization of the Bulgarian healthcare system.
As Europe faces increasing demographic, economic, geopolitical, and healthcare challenges, the conference reinforced a common understanding that medical technologies are not only drivers of innovation but also essential pillars of resilient, sustainable, and future-ready health systems. MedTech Bulgaria looks forward to continuing its collaboration with POLMED and other regional partners to advance innovation, improve patient access, and strengthen health security across Central and Eastern Europe.
