site.bta"Doctors We Trust" Forum Honours Medics for Dedication

Addressing a Sofia forum of the Doctors We Trust initiative on Monday, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said that this project, implemented by the 24 Chasa daily, "gives due recognition to the people who turn knowledge and humanity into real care for others." Zhelyazkov stressed that one can speak of medical professionals only with words of gratitude and appreciation.

The Doctors We Trust initiative honours medics nominated by patients. Monday's event was also attended by National Assembly Deputy Chair Kostadin Angelov and other MPs, Health Minister Silvi Kirilov, directors of medical institutions, representatives of the National Health Insurance Fund's management, and doctors.

The Prime Minister said: "In recent months we have started new initiatives that build on what makes healthcare a topic that genuinely reflects society's needs." As examples of the authorities' efforts to this end, he cited the provision of free immunization against human papillomavirus for boys as well, extending the age range for the same immunization for girls, and working on the National Plan for Combating Cancer. "Two new screening programmes will soon begin, enabling modern testing for cervical cancer and colorectal cancer," Zhelyazkov noted.

According to him, some long-overdue reforms have also begun – adopting a national strategy for the development of outpatient care, opening new clinics in small towns, a new pay standard directly linked to qualifications, and more. "We have the necessary financial support. The health insurance budget proposed for 2026 is over BGN 10 billion, a 15% increase compared to this year, with 90 percent of all funds directed towards health insurance payments," Zhelyazkov added.

The Prime Minister presented an award to Yanko Pandeliev, a GP from Varna, who has carried out over five thousand preventive examinations between January and September.

A similar distinction honouring Plamen Latev, a GP from Pavlikeni, was presented by Health Minister Silvi Kirilov. The Minister said: "The Doctors We Trust forum is a mirror of our profession, which is acquired through skill, character and the ability to stand by a person in their most difficult moment."

A plaque for Dr Galina Penkova from Sliven was presented by National Assembly Deputy Chair Kostadin Angelov, who stated: "Healthcare is not only reforms, buildings and salaries, but above all people who, sacrificing a part of themselves each day, keep the system alive."