Rheumatology Clinic at UMBAL Burgas - a new step towards quality healthcare

On the 15th anniversary of the creation of the Department of Rheumatology, the only rheumatology structure in Southeastern Bulgaria, it has been transformed into a Clinic of Rheumatology. The transformation has been finalized with the issuance of a new permit for activity from the Ministry of Health and marks a significant step forward in the development of rheumatological care in the region.

The new status of a clinic means a higher level of competence, expanded opportunities for diagnostic and therapeutic services, as well as a stronger focus on research and teaching activities. At the head of the Clinic is Dr. Irina Momcheva, MD, specialist in internal medicine and rheumatology, assistant professor at the Medical Faculty of Burgas Free University "Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov".

According to Dr. Momcheva, "Our transformation into a clinic is not just a change in the name, but a recognition of the work of the entire team and a responsibility to the patients. This gives us the opportunity to develop rheumatological care in the region to a European level".

The Clinic is already serving hundreds of patients monthly, and the number is constantly growing. Thanks to the full range of services for the diagnosis and monitoring of autoimmune diseases, patients from other cities such as Yambol, Sliven and Stara Zagora also choose Burgas for monitoring and protocol treatment.

The Clinic has all the necessary commissions for the issuance and renewal of protocols for biological therapy under the NHIF - for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and systemic lupus. This eliminates the need for patients to travel to distant university centers.

This is the fifth department that the University Hospital - Burgas has upgraded to a clinic. The hospital is consolidating its role as a leading healthcare institution - the only one in the region that offers 24/7 modern, accessible and comprehensive medical care.