Assoc. Prof. Angel Kunchev has submitted his resignation as Chief State Health Inspector, the Ministry of Health (MH) press center reported. The document was submitted today to Prime Minister Rumen Radev. In his decision, Assoc. Prof. Kunchev cites reaching retirement age as well as his disagreement with the planned reform of state health control as his primary reasons.
Minister of Health Katya Ivkova expressed respect for the professional career of Assoc. Prof. Kunchev, acknowledging his significant experience and contribution to the system. "Nobody disputes that," the Minister said. Nevertheless, she emphasized that the resignation is a personal decision that does not negate the necessity for changes. According to her, the Minister's responsibility is to make decisions for the entire system, and the reform will be implemented carefully and in stages to ensure greater support, resources, and on-site oversight for Regional Health Inspectorate (RHI) staff.
The Ministry of Health notes that Assoc. Prof. Kunchev has held the position since 2011, during which time he was responsible for organizing and managing state health control and infectious disease surveillance by law. Because his resignation letter questions the effectiveness of the reform and insists that the current model is stable, the Ministry presented specific data in response:
- Data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development indicates that the low number of hospital-acquired infections in Bulgaria is likely due to underreporting.
- Fewer than 30% of surveyed Bulgarian hospitals participate in national or regional infection surveillance networks.
- The number of infection prevention specialists is 0.98 per 250 beds, compared to a European median of 1.25.
- Disinfectants are available immediately next to the bed in only 27.3% of hospital beds, while the European average is 49.2%.
Minister Ivkova also commented on the issue of fake health record books along the Black Sea coast, citing it as proof of the need for electronic traceability and unified registries. The RHI-Varna has already confirmed that a pre-trial investigation into the matter has been initiated, and information is also expected from the RHI-Burgas. Regarding the more than 230 vacant positions in the RHIs and national centers mentioned by Assoc. Prof. Kunchev, the Ministry clarified that this is evidence of a serious personnel and organizational deficit, rather than stability in the system.
The upcoming administrative reform provides for the preservation of the 28 regional structures, local teams, laboratories, and the ability to respond on-site. The change consists of consolidating overlapping administrative functions, introducing uniform rules, and establishing electronic traceability. Under this structure, which will operate as regional directorates under the Ministry of Health, the inspectorates will no longer be able to independently award public procurement contracts, which will ensure more effective resource allocation.