The recent government meeting on April 30 resulted in the approval of the construction of a private general hospital called "Mom and Me" in Bulgaria. This facility, equipped with over 400 beds and a dedicated pediatric department, is set to provide medical services to both children and adults. Despite the potential benefits it may bring, the decision has sparked a heated discussion among various stakeholders in the country.
The controversy surrounding this approval stems from the fact that Bulgaria has long been facing delays in the construction of the National Children's Hospital, a project deemed crucial for addressing the healthcare needs of children in the region. The Public Council for the Construction of a National Children's Hospital expressed dissatisfaction with the government's decision, highlighting concerns about transparency and its impact on the establishment of the much-awaited National Children's Hospital. According to the council, there is a significant shortage of pediatric doctors in Sofia and the surrounding area, emphasizing the pressing need for a specialized children's healthcare facility.
President Rumen Radev criticized the government's move, accusing the caretaker cabinet of prioritizing profit-driven healthcare practices over public welfare. By supporting the construction of a private general hospital, Radev argued that the government was further entrenching a system focused on financial gains rather than ensuring accessible and quality healthcare services for all citizens. The decision has thus ignited a debate on the healthcare priorities and policies pursued by the Bulgarian government, with contrasting views on the implications of investing in private healthcare facilities versus public health infrastructure.