The Faculty of Pharmacy at the Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov University in Burgas has officially opened its doors, welcoming its first intake of 31 students. The young people who have chosen to train as master pharmacists come from various locations across Bulgaria, including Burgas, Vratsa, Dobrich, Plovdiv, Razgrad, Kyustendil, Smolyan, Sliven, Samokov, Haskovo, and Sofia Province.
"Today is a double celebration. Beyond the fact that it is Holy Cross Day, the opening of the Faculty of Pharmacy is a historic moment for the city, the municipality, and the country, supported by many people," stated the Mayor of Burgas Municipality, Dimitar Nikolov. He emphasized to the students that the profession requires high moral standards, discipline, and responsibility toward human life.
The Rector, Prof. Dr. Sotir Sotirov, expressed his hope that the new academic unit will build a strong reputation and a sustainable tradition. The Dean, Prof. Dr. Emil Hristov, assured that the team will provide high-quality education to the future specialists. Prof. Hristov possesses many years of experience in healthcare, having served as Bulgaria's first representative on the Management Board of the European Medicines Agency and as Director of the Bulgarian Drug Agency from 2004 to 2009.
During the ceremony, the top three admitted students were honored with a commemorative coin and a white lab coat. All students from the first intake received gifts and study materials. The event was attended by the Regional Governor Diko Dikov, Deputy Mayor Mihail Nenov, Member of Parliament Prof. Rumyana Yankova, the Director of the Demographic Policies Directorate at Burgas Municipality Maria Kumanova, as well as representatives from academia and the pharmaceutical sector.
Mayor Nikolov noted that the university has its sights set on the next ambitious goal: the creation of a Faculty of Dental Medicine. The new pharmacy department complements the medical education field in Burgas, aiming to prepare professionals to meet the needs of the national healthcare system, laboratories, and the pharmaceutical industry.