Medics blockaded Sofia: Protest demanding higher salaries in hospitals

Mass protests of medical professionals in front of ISUL

Medical professionals from across the country gathered in front of UMBAL "Tsaritsa Yoanna – ISUL" to express their dissatisfaction with the lack of planned salary increases in state and municipal hospitals for the third consecutive year. The protest, organized by the "Zashtita" (Protection) Trade Union, led to a brief blockade of Gen. Danail Nikolaev Blvd.

"We want to be heard, and for corrections to be made between the first and second reading of the state budget, and for money to be allocated for salary increases," stated Krasimir Mitov, chairman of the "Zashtita" Trade Union.

Main problems in the sector:

• Medical staff working two jobs;
• Systemic overtime work;
• Critical shortage of qualified personnel;
• Lack of financial indexation of remuneration.

The demonstration included representatives from Pirogov, Alexandrovska Hospital, Saint Ekaterina Hospital, Maychin Dom, Saint Ivan Rilski, as well as emergency medical teams from Blagoevgrad, Sandanski, Pazardzhik, Vratsa, and Kyustendil.

We remind you that the parliamentary Committee on Health adopted the NHIF budget for 2026, with Health Minister Katya Ivkova reporting an increase of over 412 million euros compared to the previous year, but according to the protesters, these funds do not reflect on the incomes of frontline workers.