The Ministry of Healthcare has launched a large-scale initiative to support young medical professionals, which covers two parallel projects with total funding of over 40 million leva. According to official statements by Minister Associate Professor Silvi Kirilov, the program aims to significantly improve professional development conditions for beginning medical staff.
The first project, implemented under the Operational Program "Human Resources Development", was initially worth 15 million leva, but was subsequently increased by an additional 26 million leva. A key focus of this initiative is providing a monthly supplement of about 2600 leva for specializing medical professionals, which significantly improves their financial status.
An important element of the project is the opportunity for 111 medical trainees currently on the waiting list to be included in the training program. Deputy Minister Yavor Penchev emphasized that the focus is on regions with critical shortages of medical professionals, such as Sofia, Varna, Plovdiv, Ruse, Sliven, Pernik, and Haskovo.
The second project is aimed at supporting 130 trainees who started their training in 2023. Their practical and theoretical training fees are covered, and those without income are provided with two minimum working salaries.
Project coordinator Mariana Vasileva announced an upcoming official invitation to the 111 trainees with a deadline for confirmation on September 15. By the end of the same month, contracts with approved candidates are planned to be signed. There is also a possibility of a new recruitment of trainees.
Minister Kirilov added that there are currently over 200 vacant places for state-funded trainees. Regional hospitals have announced more than 350 positions, of which only about 120 are currently filled.