site.btaContinue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria Call for Comphensive Probes of Care Homes

Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) called for a full check of all care homes for the elderly and hospices in the country - both licensed and unregistered. “We demand immediate comprehensive inspections with the participation of the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy,” said Stella Nikolova (CC-DB), who read the declaration from the parliamentary rostrum.

“We are appalled by the amount of "houses of horrors" that are now being uncovered,” she said. “We express our deep indignation and strong concern about the shocking case uncovered in the village of Yagoda,” Nikolova said on behalf of the CC-DB group.

The CC-DB said that a national programme to improve care for the elderly is also needed and the state should strategically invest in this area.

Parliament should elect an ombudsman. Currently, experts from the Ombudsman's office are not allowed anywhere because there is no elected Ombudsman or Deputy Ombudsman. The Ombudsman has the right to inspections under the National Preventive Mechanism, the declaration added.