Control over Unregulated Social Services Continues, Minister Says

Diana Dukovska, BTA correspondent Mira Bezus

Labour and Social Policy Minister Nataliya Efremova (left), Village of Voden, August 13, 2026 (BTA Photo/Mira Bezus)

Village of Voden, Southeastern Bulgaria,

13.08.2026 12:54

(BTA)

The authorities continue to carry out regular inspections to identify unregulated social services, including illegal nursing homes, Labour and Social Policy Minister Nataliya Efremova told reporters in the village of Voden on Thursday.

Efremova was visiting Bolyarovo Municipality, where she opened a renovated care home for elderly people in Voden. The renovation, which began in April and cost EUR 1.5 million, was funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. The nursing home has been in operation for 17 years and currently houses 30 elderly residents.

Efremova also told reporters that there had been no increase this year in reports or recorded malpractice involving unregulated social services. "Our inspections are carried out regularly," she said.

New provisions related to such practices have been adopted in the Criminal Code. As a result, the Agency for the Quality of Social Services has been given additional powers and administrative authority to act against unregulated social services. The agency will be able to take measures to close such facilities, the Minister said.

/DS/