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Health Infrastructure, Workforce Shortages among Key Challenges Facing Bulgarian Healthcare, Minister Says

Nikolay Trifonov
Health Infrastructure, Workforce Shortages among Key Challenges Facing Bulgarian Healthcare, Minister Says
Health Infrastructure, Workforce Shortages among Key Challenges Facing Bulgarian Healthcare, Minister Says
Health Minister Katya Ivkova speaking at the National Meeting of Local and Central Executive Authorities, Sofia, June 18, 2026 (BTA Photo/Blagoy Kirilov)
Sofia,  
18.06.2026 18:08
 (BTA)

Health infrastructure, staffing shortages, hospital management and the development of outpatient care are among the main challenges facing Bulgaria's healthcare system, Health Minister Katya Ivkova said on Thursday. Speaking at the National Meeting of Local and Central Executive Authorities in Sofia, Ivkova said delays at the local level had significantly hindered the implementation of a long-running emergency healthcare infrastructure project. Originally designed to improve access to emergency medical services for 98% of the population, the project was launched three years behind schedule and is now being completed with national funding.

"When the project was presented to the European Commission, the main argument was that it would provide 98% of the population with access to emergency medical care and higher-quality health services," Ivkova said, adding that various obstacles at the local level had prevented Bulgaria from reaching that target.

Of the 235 facilities included in the project, 135 have been completed, while around 60 are unlikely to be finished by the October 31 deadline. Ivkova said efforts are under way, including consultations with the Regional Development Ministry, to complete as many of the remaining sites as possible.

The minister also highlighted shortages of healthcare personnel, particularly nurses in creches for children aged one to three. While proposals have been discussed to allow childcare facilities to operate with only education staff, Ivkova noted that many children require medical supervision and expressed confidence that a solution could be found in cooperation with municipalities.

On outpatient healthcare, Ivkova thanked local authorities participating in a Recovery and Resilience Plan-funded programme to establish outpatient clinics, noting that 100 contracts have already been signed. She added that additional financial controllers may be appointed to speed up project payments and ensure implementation within the tight deadlines.

/NF/

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By 17:27 on 18.07.2026 Today`s news

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