"The health of the Bulgarian nation does not tolerate patching, but deep thought. Healthcare is an element of national security and needs a stable policy". This was stated by Vice President Iliana Yotova, who for another year was a guest at the Festival of Scientific Research and Teaching Activities of the Medical University – Sofia, the President's press service reported.
„If we Bulgarians are not healthy, there is no way we can achieve progress in any area. If we are not healthy, what does it matter who is the minister, how are the political quotas in his cabinet determined, who heads the National Health Insurance Fund, if there is only one candidate“, asked rhetorically the vice president.
She pointed out that those who have to make decisions are facilitated by health workers, who are always at their post, but their conscience and responsibility cannot be used like this.
Iliyana Yotova called for a national ambition for all institutions and society to work for Bulgarian healthcare, with the full capacity of the Bulgarian doctor, teachers, and science.
The vice president emphasized the need for a thorough and empathetic discussion, involving the entire society, about what Bulgarian hospitals should look like, what the status of the Bulgarian doctor and nurse should be.
„An active participant in this process should be the representatives of academic circles, the people who train and build tomorrow's doctors. The people who know best what we need to offer young doctors so that they stay in Bulgaria. It is not just about money, but about clearer prospects for development and conditions in which they can maximally apply their knowledge and skills“, said Yotova.
In her speech, the Vice President emphasized that the Medical University of Sofia is the oldest and most prestigious medical school in Bulgaria with a high European and global prestige.
“The authority is high not only because of the diploma recognized throughout Europe, which is an indisputable sign of quality, but because the highly qualified teachers, experts at the national and international level give students invaluable knowledge, use innovative methods and build skills“, pointed out Iliyana Yotova.
She emphasized that the university provides an opportunity for scientific and research work even during the training process, for joint work with doctors and scientists at the world level.
“You are also doing another miracle – "You manage to dress the medical profession in Bulgaria in sufficiently attractive clothes so that students want to practice in Bulgaria," the vice president addressed the lecturers, recalling the encouraging statistics, according to which 74% of those who graduated from MU a month ago plan to continue their professional path in Bulgaria.
Iliyana Yotova was categorical that artificial intelligence, which is increasingly penetrating various fields, including healthcare, cannot replace doctors because it lacks the most essential thing - love for people.
The vice president congratulated health workers on the occasion of World Health Day and Health Worker's Day. She thanked the doctors for their love, care and selflessness.