Minister Katya Ivkova: Challenges in Healthcare and Emergency Services

Key Challenges Facing Bulgarian Healthcare

During the National Meeting of Local and Central Authorities, Minister of Health Katya Ivkova outlined the main problems in the sector, including health infrastructure and the staffing crisis.

"Due to a lack of preliminary analysis and procedural obstacles, the emergency aid project has been delayed for years," stated Minister Ivkova.

Infrastructure Projects and Emergency Aid

• Out of 235 sites under the emergency aid project, 135 have been completed.
• About 60 sites are at risk of not being completed by the October 31 deadline.
• Negotiations are underway with the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works to find mechanisms for finalizing the project.

Healthcare Staffing and Childcare

The Minister highlighted the serious shortage of nurses in nursery groups. A potential change in regulations is being discussed to allow for flexibility, but Ivkova remains firm that medical supervision is mandatory for children with specific conditions such as diabetes and epilepsy.

Investments in Outpatient Care

Ivkova reported 100 contracts signed under the Recovery and Resilience Plan for outpatient clinics. To accelerate payments under the project, the appointment of additional financial controllers is planned.