site.btaHealth Minister, Sofia Mayor Discuss Child Health Policies, Access to Services

Bulgaria's Health Minister, Assoc. Prof. Michail Okoliyski, and Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev discussed policies related to children’s health and access to services, the press offices of Sofia Municipality and the Health Ministry said on Monday. The meeting was also attended by Sofia Deputy Mayor for Education, Sports and Youth Activities Desislava Zhelyazkova.

According to Sofia Municipality, the main focus of the discussion was the challenges facing the system of nurseries and kindergartens in Sofia, including the shortage of medical specialists, admission rules for children and opportunities for a more effective organization of care for the youngest.

Participants said that the staff shortage was creating difficulties for the normal functioning of the system and required a coordinated approach between local and central authorities. Sofia Municipality and the Health Ministry agreed on the need to seek sustainable solutions both for attracting more medical professionals and for improving the organization of medical care in childcare facilities.

They also discussed regulatory limitations on the powers of nurses in kindergartens, who at present often do not have the authority to perform basic medical procedures or make independent decisions when a child’s condition suddenly deteriorates. Participants agreed that children’s safety requires clearer regulations and greater trust in the professionalism of medical teams.

Okoliyski and his team said their efforts were currently focused on preparing the Annual Plan for Early Childhood Development for 2026, as well as on resuming work on the Strategy for Early Childhood Development, the Health Ministry said.

Issues related to psychiatric care and improving access to services were also discussed during the meeting. Participants also addressed the work of preventive and information centres and the future status of the Knyazhevo Mineral Baths.