The healthcare services provided in Bulgaria rank among the poorest in Europe, according to the Euro Health Consumer Index (EHCI) released by the Health Consumer Powerhouse on Tuesday.

Bulgaria obtained 547 out of 1000 possible points, ranking 30th out of 36 countries included in the survey.

The country is ahead of Albania, Poland, Lithuania, Serbia, Montenegro, Romania and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The best performing country is the Netherlands, followed by Switzerland, Norway, Finland and Denmark.

Bulgaria performs poorly in most indicators, especially in the sub-disciplines patient rights and information, outcomes and range and reach of services provided.

Bulgaria has to improve its record on online booking of appointments and e-prescriptions.

The country has amongst the highest abortion rates and high infant mortality rates.

Although Bulgaria records a decrease in the deaths from cardiovascular diseases, this is not the case for deaths occurring from stroke or cancer.

Bulgaria has a low rate of kidney transplants and is among the leaders in informal payments to doctors.