More Bulgarian Medics Join Budget Cuts Protests

Bulgarian patient organizations urge institutions to defend the dignity of Bulgarian doctors, and enable them to do their jobs. File photo

Protests of Bulgarian doctors, nurses, and medical staff against chronic shortage of money for hospitals are continuing Friday, so far only as peaceful demonstrations.

Employees from the emergency "Pirogov" hospital, Alexandrovska hospital, and the Maternity hospital, all in the capital Sofia, will be staging rallies demanding assurances that the outstanding 20% for hospital activity for October and November and the entire amount for December will be paid in January next year.

On Thursday, about 200 "Pirogov" employees staged a protest rally against budget cuts.

The rallies are triggered by the decision of the National Health Insurance Fund, NZOK, to pay only 80% for activities of medical institutions by the end of the year.

The Doctors' Union warns of active protests if by November 8th, the State fails to guarantee in writing that it will provide the full amount due to hospitals.

Meanwhile, many patient organizations have urged institutions to defend the dignity of Bulgarian doctors, and enable them to do their jobs.

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