site.btaLow Pay Continues to Be Most Pressing Issue for Health Professionals - Survey

Low pay remains the main concern for health professionals, alongside staff shortages and limited career development opportunities, according to a survey on medical professionals' attitudes towards healthcare reforms presented by the leadership of the Bulgarian Association of Health Professionals in Nursing.

The survey was conducted between May 1 and 13, among 1,212 healthcare professionals of different specialties and age groups, including nurses, laboratory technicians, rehabilitation therapists and radiology technicians.

"We are standing by our demands that we should be given 150% of the country's average salary," said Association Chair Diana Georgieva. Other demands include reclassification of the profession, preservation of the medical standard for healthcare services, public funding for outpatient and home healthcare for all patients, and full alignment of health professionals' education and qualifications with European standards. "Bulgaria cannot be a European country without complying with European standards," Georgieva said.

Over 91% of health professionals are ready to take protest action if their demands are not met, the survey also found. "This means that people lack trust and are not willing to tolerate another postponement. "This means that people lack trust and are not willing to tolerate another postponement. We will stand behind them because we are obliged to defend the interests of the profession, our colleagues and ourselves," said Georgieva. 

The survey also found that 89.3% of specialists are not satisfied with the conditions of prevention, treatment and rehabilitation provided to patients,  and 88.2% of health experts are not satisfied with the working conditions. Other problems outlined are the lack of standards, the replacement of medical specialists and the poor overall organization of healthcare.

Earlier on Friday, the National Conference on Healthcare with Balkan participation was opened on "Healthcare of the 21st Century - Modern Aspects and Challenges". The event was organized by the Bulgarian Association of Healthcare Professionals in Nursing and the regional college of the association in Sofia.