Bulgaria's health ministry and Johnson & Johnson MedTech have signed a memorandum of understanding to work together on orthopaedics. They want to make Bulgaria a regional hub for orthopaedic innovation, doctor training and the exchange of experience between specialists from different countries.

Health minister Katya Ivkova signed for the ministry. The document provides for a Regional Centre for Orthopaedic Innovation and Training, which will be set up and developed in Bulgaria.

The initiative aims to build a lasting model that links leading hospitals and medical universities with the company's international technology and clinical experience.

The focus is on modern orthopaedic surgery, including robot-assisted operations, in which the surgeon works with the help of a robot. Doctors will follow structured programmes of hands-on training and continuing education, and teams will share good medical practice.

Prime minister Rumen Radev and minister Ivkova held talks with company representatives at the Council of Ministers. They discussed bringing modern technology into Bulgarian health care and developing specialist training in orthopaedics.

The meeting stressed the potential of innovation to improve treatment results and the quality of care. Those present also discussed how doctors and medical teams can get more precise, gentler and more effective methods in orthopaedic treatment.