Abstract

This study reviews the implementation of electronic prescription systems (e-prescriptions) as an element of the national digitalization of Bulgarian healthcare between 2002 and 2024. The key developments in this process are examined, with a special focus on their effect on the healthcare system, the administration, and national security. Several advantages of introducing e-prescriptions were noted, such as simplifying bureaucratic processes, reducing counterfeit prescriptions, and providing better control over critical medicines for the healthcare system, such as antibiotics and diabetes drugs. At the same time, the study also found challenges in implementing e-prescriptions, including disagreements between doctors and pharmacists, technical problems, and difficulties with the use of digitized systems in remote areas without Internet coverage. No major breaches of information security or cybersecurity were observed during the study period. The study applies several research methods, including a literature review, documentary analysis, and comparative analysis with several European countries. It concludes that the introduction of e-prescriptions is a positive development from the point of view of the state administration and that its implementation is desirable if the necessary measures are taken to ensure information security, actual (not just formal) consensus is achieved, and access to critical medicines is ensured. Recommendations are made.

JEL:  H51, I18, F52