As few as 4.8% of all Bulgarians trust in the country's healthcare system, with half of the nation seeking professional help only when a severe health problem is in place, an expert has revealed. Some 48% of all Bulgarians believe the healthcare is in a bad condition, according to Prof. Lilia Dimova from the Agency for Social Analyses think-tank. Dimova has told the Bulgarian National Radio that 20% of Bulgarians try treating themselves before seeking professional medical help. A total of 75% of Bulgaria's patients are convinced that the healthcare system in the country is not functioning properly, while 82% declare that not only reforms but very significant changes are necessary. "We are not the sickest nation in Europe," Dimova stated in her interview on Friday, pointing out that 82% of Bulgarians are not hindered in their daily routines by severe illnesses, a percentage higher than the average for the EU (74%). Countries like Finland, Slovenia, the Netherlands, Norway, Germany and France are worse than Bulgaria in this aspect, she added. Even though Bulgarians generally distrust the healthcare system in the country, they also believe that Bulgaria's doctors and nurses are unrightfully underpaid, Dimova has said, citing data from a survey on the relations between patients and health professionals.