Patient Rights
The Foundation is working for promotion and protection of patient rights
in Bulgaria through research and analysis of the European and international
law, dissemination of best practices, creation of data bases, higher NGO
awareness and competence, initiatives for creation of complaints procedures
and ombudsman in health ombudsman, a bulletin on patient rights, consulting
services, etc. The Foundation's activities in the above areas are sponsored
and supported by various donors: the Royal Government the Netherlands,
the Open Society Institute, World Learning/USAID and the Bulgarian Health
Project/Bearing Point, USAID.
Projects implemented in the field of patient rights:
Patient Rights Monitor
The Patient Rights Monitor is a bulletin issued by the Foundation, intended
for non-governmental organizations, public and municipal agencies and
institutions, and all agencies and individuals interested in patient rights
and health issues.
Ombudsman
In January 2004 Index Foundation established a health ombudsman office
in Yambol City, made possible under a project initiated by the Foundation
with initial funding provided by the Royal Government of the Netherlands.
This was the first attempt to introduce a special health ombudsman providing
assistance to citizens seeking response to their questions and complaints
related to health issues. Thus opportunities are provided for better health
rights protection in the municipality.
National and International Conferences and Round Tables
Several international conferences and round tables have been organized
by the Foundation in the field of patient rights and other topical health
issues with the participation of representatives of government agencies
and institutions, NGOs and all key stakeholders in the field of health.
Recently the efforts of the Foundation in that area have received support
from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the British
Academy of Sciences.
Sociological Surveys
For the purpose of estimating the level of patient rights awareness and
information Index Foundation conducted two sociological surveys in three
pilot regions in the country.
Research and Analyses
A team of experts of the Foundation has completed an extensive comparative
study and analysis of the status of patient rights and the existing legal
systems and protection mechanisms in 12 European countries. The final
report from the study is made available to the public.
Training
The Foundation offers training in the above areas to NGOs, health professionals,
journalists and all interested parties.
OVERSEAS PROJECTS
Creation and Development of Structures for Citizen Participation in Decision Making in Health on a Regional Level in Ukraine - TACIS Institution Building Partnership Programme (IBPP)
A collaborative EU-funded international project designed to strengthen citizen participation in health in Ukraine and Bulgaria (2005-2008).The main activities of the project include study and exchange of experience in the field of health policy and public health among the Ukrainian and Bulgarian partners, creation of Community Health Counsels in Ukraine and organization of their work, conducting of joint public activities (conferences, round table meetings and workshops) on health policy and public health issues, preparation and distribution of information and methodological materials and transfer of experience between Ukraine and Bulgaria.
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