Bulgaria: calls for regulation of health professionals
Leaders from the Bulgarian Association of Health Care Professionals (BAHCP), the Bulgarian Association of Assistant Pharmacists (BAAP), and the Bulgarian Association of Physician Assistants and Feldshers (BAPAF) convened to call for formal recognition and regulation of their professions and highlighted the urgent need to address staffing shortages in Bulgaria's healthcare system. The organizations signed an agreement to jointly advocate for their professions, citing challenges such as professional isolation, unequal engagement with institutions, and a persistent lack of effective solutions to the staffing crisis. BAHCP Chair Milka Vasileva noted that of the 35,000 healthcare professionals in Bulgaria, 22,820 are nurses, with a third approaching retirement age in the coming years. She emphasized that many nurses, midwives, and rehabilitation workers are maintaining the healthcare system by working multiple jobs. Additionally, about 65% of nursing graduates are not entering the healthcare workforce. The associations plan to send an open letter to the President, Prime Minister, and National Assembly Chair, requesting meetings to discuss these pressing issues.