In March 2026, Bulgaria expanded its universal neonatal screening programme from three to six conditions, adding spinal muscular atrophy, severe combined immunodeficiency and cystic fibrosis to the existing panel. Screening for phenylketonuria, congenital hypothyroidism and congenital adrenal hyperplasia has long been in place.
The expansion, supported by more than EUR 1.5 million, follows a one-year delay due to funding constraints. Screening is performed via heel-prick blood sampling 48–120 hours after birth, with results now integrated into the National Health Information System.
The newly added conditions align with national expert priorities identified in a 2022–2023 survey, particularly cystic fibrosis and spinal muscular atrophy, reflecting sustained professional advocacy to broaden the screening panel.