Medicine
News about healthcare — hospitals, medical services, new technologies, reforms, and health initiatives.
Alarming trends: The use of electronic cigarettes among youth in Bulgaria is reaching new heights.
Marking World No Tobacco Day on May 31 reveals alarming data on the spread of e-cigarettes and other nicotine products among young people in Bulgaria. The country tops the ranking in the share of current e-cigarette smokers among 11- and 13-year-olds, and 15-year-olds are in third place in Europe. Despite the overall decline in smoking, new nicotine products with attractive designs and flavors continue to lure young consumers, many of whom are unaware of the health risks.
Medical professionals at the center of new challenges
The healthcare system is facing growing challenges related to the shortage of nurses and other medical professionals. This situation tests the ability of the healthcare system to provide quality care for patients.
Medical professionals from around the world are uniting to address global health challenges
Medical professionals from different parts of the world are uniting to address the growing health problems on a global scale. They work together to share knowledge, experience, and innovative approaches, with the aim of improving healthcare and patient well-being.
The Ministry of Health warns about fake advertisements abusing its name.
The Ministry of Health has issued an official warning regarding fraudulent online advertisements that unlawfully use the name, image, and authority of the institution and its employees. Such publications aim to mislead users and derive financial gain through illegal practices.
Skin cancer - a growing threat to increasingly younger patients
The specialists from a leading oncology center in the country report an alarming increase in advanced skin tumors among young people, associated with prolonged exposure to UV rays. The need for enhanced prevention and early diagnosis is emphasized, in order to save lives.
The academic community demands the removal of homeopathic education in vocational high schools.
The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) officially sent a letter to the Minister of Education and Science, requesting the discontinuation of teaching homeopathy in vocational high schools. The scientists believe that education in this "pseudoscience" is unacceptable and call for the necessary legal actions to remove it from the curricula.
Young medical professionals are protesting for higher salaries and better working conditions.
Nurses and young doctors are organizing a protest to demand higher salaries and improved working conditions in the healthcare sector. They want the starting salary to be increased to 3100 levs, which is over 3.5 times the minimum wage in the country.
New free screening programs for cervical and colorectal cancer will cover over 4 million Bulgarians.
The Ministry of Health is introducing two new screening programs for early detection of cervical cancer and colorectal cancer. The programs will provide highly sensitive self-sampling tests for home use and will cover over 4 million Bulgarians by 2030. The goal is to improve the prevention and prophylaxis of these cancer diseases in the country.
National Health Insurance Fund introduces real-time control for medicines and medical devices
The Director of the NHIF (National Health Insurance Fund) ordered all regional health insurance funds to notify their contractual partners about the introduction of real-time control when prescribing and dispensing medicinal products, medical devices and dietary foods paid for by the NHIF, effective from June 1, 2025.
Free genetic tests for rare diseases in children in Burgas
From May 29 to June 4, a free genetic screening for two rare, disabling neuromuscular diseases in children will be held in Burgas. The campaign is organized by the Burgas Pediatric Association, the Municipality of Burgas and Dispensary Clinic 1 on the occasion of International Children's Day. The tests are intended for children with specific symptoms and will be performed in the laboratory of Dispensary Clinic 1.
Gene therapy for a rare disease faces economic hurdles
Scientists conducted successful clinical trials on a patient with chronic granulomatous disease, showing restoration of the function of a key enzyme in more than two-thirds of neutrophils. Despite the encouraging results, Prime Medicine company is forced to discontinue the independent development of the gene therapy PM359 due to the high cost of treatment, which reaches $2 million per dose.
Bulgarian Hospital Association proposes 10 ideas for improving health care
The Bulgarian Hospital Association (BBA) presented 10 proposals for the reform of the health system, including increasing the health contributions, introducing additional health insurance and dealing with the lack of medical staff. The proposals were discussed at a round table, presented by representatives of institutions and experts.
Tragedy in Hadzhidimovo: 21-Year-Old Dies Outside Nightclub
A 21-year-old man from Petrelik village died suddenly outside a nightclub in Hadzhidimovo. The cause of death is unknown and autopsy results are pending.