Category: The Media About Us

Aggression is not only against the medics. Unfortunately, it has established itself as a model of behavior and culture. There is no way to isolate doctors' offices from the rest of society. This is what Galina Zaharieva, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of the Bulgarian Union of Medical Assistants and Paramedics, told BGNES.

“Aggression is ubiquitous, both verbal and physical, and perhaps a sense of impunity increases rather than reduces aggression in society. Unfortunately, the medics who work in the emergency services and are on the front line face some of the most unpleasant manifestations of aggression in society.

When a person is in an emergency, he is also not very adequate. Everyone reacts differently. But anyway, it is part of our daily lives and we have to adapt, we have no other choice," Zaharieva added.

She explained that this attitude pushes people away from the profession.

"In order to improve the situation, reforms are required in many sectors of public life, serious statesmanship is needed and the sense of impunity must not progress. But in particular, we appeal to employers to take measures to secure workplaces – through video surveillance or live security, as the working medics in emergency centres in small towns, especially at night, are alone. This in turn is due to the lack of staff in the system – people in the teams are kept to a minimum and difficult to work with. When a person works alone and the risk is great. In general, the medical profession is a risky profession. But at least put video surveillance to feel a little bit of a bit protected. This is disciplinary and works,” Zaharieva said.

According to her, the personnel crisis in the system gave birth to a not very smooth medical specialist-patient relationship. "Most colleagues are overworked, not as patient as they should be, but in such conditions we are all patients and workers. It is difficult for everyone," Zaharieva said.

Asked how she would encourage the medics, Zaharieva said that they should not give up because this is a good humane profession. “We know that the medical profession carries a risk. We know the conditions under which work is done, but I strongly hope that the statesmen will understand and make the relevant decisions so as to improve the conditions in the work system, which would also increase the quality of the medical service. Serious healthcare reforms are needed because under these working conditions it is not good for workers or patients," she said.

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Zdrave.net

Cases of aggression are repelled by the medical profession, and especially by work in the emergency room. Serious statesmanship is needed, the feeling of impunity must not progress.

Aggression is not only against Bulgarian medics. Aggression has become a model of behavior and culture in recent times. This requires serious state thinking in many sectors.

This was stated in an interview for BGNES by Galina Zaharieva, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of the Bulgarian Union of Medical Assistants and Paramedics (BSLAF).

Aggression towards medics in Bulgaria is not a precedent, but a serious problem that has existed in our country for years. Just a week ago, we witnessed another case of aggression when a drunken man attacked the paramedic on duty in the Emergency Medical Aid Branch (EMA) in the building of the Berkovitsa General Hospital.

About what needs to happen in order to prevent such cases in the future, how it explains this aggression towards Bulgarian medics and why it manifests itself, BGNES talked with the Deputy Chairman of BULAF Zaharieva.

“We cannot isolate the doctor’s office from the rest of society,” she said, noting that aggression is ubiquitous, both verbal and physical, and perhaps the feeling of impunity is increasing rather than reducing aggression in society.

Cases of aggression are repelled by the medical profession, and especially by work in the emergency room.

According to her, the medics who work in the emergency services and are on the front line face one of the most unpleasant manifestations of aggression in society.

“When a person is in an emergency, he is also not very adequate. Everyone reacts differently. But anyway, it is part of our daily lives and we have to adapt, we have no other choice," Zaharieva added.

When asked how all this stress affects the medics and whether there is fear in them at work, she replied that it is not a matter of fear, it is rather unpleasant and pushes people away from the profession.

“This is one of the reasons why some of them do not want to work in these jobs,” added BLAF Vice-President.

Serious statesmanship is needed, the feeling of impunity must not progress.

In order to prevent this aggression and to have a lasting improvement of the situation, reforms are required in many sectors of public life, Zaharieva believes.

In particular, she appealed to employers to take measures to secure workplaces – by video surveillance or live security – as the working medics in emergency centres in small towns, especially at night, are alone. This in turn is due to the lack of staff in the system – people in the teams are kept to a minimum and difficult to work with.

“There is one person on shift who works alone and there is a high risk. In general, the medical profession is a risky profession. But at least put video surveillance to make them feel a little bit protected", Zaharieva called, explaining that this acts disciplinary and has been proven to work because when the patient knows they have video surveillance and reacts differently to the situation.

We cannot rely solely on appeals and the conscience of patients - this is the state of society as a whole, added the Vice-President of BULAF.

Punishment is the final stage, Zaharieva believes. She drew attention to the fact that there are regular reports of aggression in the media as early as childhood.

"That is why I say that aggression has become a model of behaviour that requires serious statesmanship in many sectors, both in education and in justice," said the Vice-President of BLAF and called on the media to pay more attention to the prevention of aggression and the upbringing of the young generation.

Zaharieva appealed to the society and to the rulers: “Keep your health professionals, because I was them. Aggression against them will not make things better. We are aware that the personnel crisis in the system is giving rise to a not-so-smooth medical specialist-patient relationship. Most colleagues are overworked, not as patient as they should be, but in such conditions we are all patients and workers. It's hard for everyone.”

Asked what she would say to encourage medics, she urged them not to give up because it's a nice humane profession. “We know that it carries a risk. We know the conditions under which work is done, but I very much hope that the statesmen will understand and make the relevant decisions so as to improve the conditions in the working system, which would also improve the quality of the medical service", said Zaharieva and reiterated that serious reforms in healthcare are needed, because under these working conditions it is not good either for the workers or for the patients.

In conclusion, she added that she strongly hopes that our society will go in a more positive direction and change the pattern of behavior, because we see for ourselves that this does not lead to anything good for anyone. ⁇ BGNES

The publication and video in BGNES can be accessed via the button below.

BGNES

A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed at the National Press Club of BTA by the Bulgarian Union of Medical Assistants and Paramedics (BSLAF) and the University Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment (UMHAT) ‘St. Ekaterina’. The document was signed by the Executive Director of the medical institution Prof. Dr. Dimitar Petkov D.Sc. and the Chairman of the Management Board of BSAF Alexander Alexandrov.

With the Memorandum, both parties declare their desire to build a sustainable framework of partnership and cooperation aimed at developing human resources in healthcare, promoting postgraduate and continuing education, the implementation of good medical practices, as well as the implementation of joint initiatives for the benefit of patients and society.

The idea is to be able to benefit from our cooperation in the management of human resources, explained Dimitar Dimitrov, Head of the Registry and Public Relations Department at the University Hospital ‘St. Catherine’. After an analysis in St. Ekaterina’ found that they could bring something new to the organisation, administration of human resources for the benefit of patients. At the same time, the trend in the development of healthcare staff is worrying, we are trying to be able to cope together, Dimitrov added.

We are not just signing a document, but we are laying a solid foundation for a long-term partnership that will be aimed at developing human resources in medicine, promoting postgraduate and continuing education, as well as the implementation of good medical practices in everyday life, commented Prof. Dr. Dimitar Petkov. He recalled that one of the main problems is the shortage of qualified medical staff, so the hospital declares its clear will to fill this deficit by training new staff.

In "St. Ekaterina" has three training rooms, monthly, in order not to disturb the balance of the work of the hospital, can be trained between five-10 people. Currently, the hospital has an acute need for perfusionists (people who take care of the heart-lung machine during cardiac surgery), the Executive Director emphasized.

Alexander Alexandrov, Chairman of BULFA, said that with the signing of this document the ambition of the professional organization is to start training more such staff in the Bulgarian educational institutions so that there is a resource to support the Bulgarian healthcare. We show that when stakeholders work in one direction, in the mutual interest and in the interest of patients, things work out, Alexandrov said. Medical assistants are currently trained at seven universities in Bulgaria and can take part in all areas of healthcare in Bulgaria, added the Chairperson. We are categorical that united together and respecting the place, qualification, responsibility of every medical professional, we could do so so that we can quickly solve the problem of personnel deficit, from which the Bulgarian patient is a winner, said Alexandrov.

The publication and video of BTA can be accessed via the button below.

BTA

Medical assistants and paramedics are well known, but mostly in emergency and outpatient care and there is no tradition of practicing the profession in hospital care facilities. However, there is an interest in such cooperation on both sides, both from our colleagues and from hospitals. This was said by the Deputy Chairman of the Board of BSLAF Galina Zaharieva at a press conference today.

“We analysed the profession globally and found that in other countries, medical assistants are very well positioned in all hospital structures. Our profession is multifunctional and we can position ourselves anywhere", added Zaharieva.

During the press conference, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Executive Director of St. Ekaterina University Hospital, Prof. Dr. Dimitar Petkov, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of BULAF, Alexander Alexandrov.

With the Memorandum, both sides declared their willingness to build a sustainable framework of partnership and cooperation aimed at developing human resources in healthcare, promoting postgraduate and continuing education, implementing good medical practices, as well as implementing joint initiatives for the benefit of patients and society.

After an analysis at the University Hospital ‘St. Ekaterina’ found that medical assistants could help in organising, administering human resources for the benefit of patients.

“We are not just signing a document, but we are laying a solid foundation for a long-term partnership that will focus on developing human resources in medicine, promoting postgraduate and continuing education, and implementing good medical practices in everyday life,” commented Prof. Dimitar Petkov. He recalled that one of the main problems is the shortage of qualified medical staff, so the hospital declares its clear will to fill this deficit by training new staff.

At the University Hospital "St. Ekaterina’ has three training rooms, monthly, in order not to disturb the work balance of the hospital, between 5-10 people can be trained. "At the moment, the hospital is in dire need of perfusionists (people who take care of the heart-lung machine during cardiac surgery)," stressed Prof. Petkov.

Alexander Alexandrov, Chairman of the Bulgarian Medical Association, said that with the signing of this document, the ambition of the professional organization is to start training more medical assistants in Bulgarian schools so that there is a resource to support Bulgarian healthcare. “We show that when stakeholders work in one direction, in the mutual interest and in the interest of patients, things work out,” said Alexandrov.

He added that currently doctors' assistants are trained at 7 universities in Bulgaria and can take part in all areas of healthcare in Bulgaria.

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Zdrave.net

The Bulgarian Union of Medical Assistants and St. Catherine with a Memorandum of Cooperation

The partnership aims to develop human resources and promote postgraduate education in healthcare

The Bulgarian Union of Medical Assistants and Paramedics and St. Ekaterina University Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment are signing a Memorandum of Cooperation today. The aim is partnership and cooperation in the development of human resources in healthcare, as well as the promotion of postgraduate and continuing education.

Cooperation shall also aim at better implementation of medical practices and implementation of joint initiatives.

The post and video on Nova TV can be accessed via the button below:

NOVA TV

The Bulgarian Union of Medical Assistants and Paramedics expressed its categorical disagreement with another case of aggression against a medical specialist. The reason for this was the attack on the paramedic Lyubomir Davidkov in the Emergency Medical Aid Branch in Berkovitsa.

On August 4, while on duty, Davidkov was attacked by an intoxicated patient. The man was aggressive towards the medic while he was being treated in an emergency. The professional organization emphasizes that this is not an isolated case and that violence against medical professionals is a serious problem. More than 1300 paramedics work in the emergency centers in Bulgaria.

Thanks to the investigation, on August 6, the assailant, with the initials M.S., was found and detained. By order of the Montana Public Prosecutor's Office, he was detained for 72 hours.

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Newspoint.bg

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Clinika.bg

The Bulgarian Union of Medical Assistants and Paramedics strongly opposes another case of aggression towards a medical specialist, the Union said. The organization expresses its support to the paramedic with many years of professional experience Lyubomir Davidkov from the Branch for Emergency Medical Care - Berkovitsa.

On August 4, in the branch, which is located in the building of the Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment - Berkovitsa, colleague Davidkov was attacked while on duty. The attacker is a patient who was intoxicated and was aggressive towards the medic while he was in emergency care.

There are over 1300 medical assistants (feldshers) in the country, working in the emergency medical centers and their affiliates. The case in Berkovitsa is not a single one, the Union added.

On August 6, after an investigation, M.S. was found and detained, who inflicted the beating on the paramedic. He was detained for 72 hours by a prosecutor's decree, the Regional Prosecutor's Office in Montana said.

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BTA

The Management Board of the Bulgarian Union of Medical Assistants and Paramedics strongly opposes another case of aggression towards a medical specialist. We express our support to the paramedic with many years of professional experience Lyubomir Ivanov Davidkov from FSMP Berkovitsa.

On 4 August 2025, in the Emergency Medical Aid Branch in the building of the General Hospital in Berkovitsa, our colleague was attacked while on duty by an intoxicated patient while providing him with emergency assistance.

We are categorical that at a time when the shortage of medical specialists is becoming more visible and problematic, it is absurd and unacceptable for patients to harm medics while caring for their health.

There are over 1300 medical assistants (feldshers) in the country, working in the emergency medical centers and their affiliates. Our colleagues are not only overwhelmed, but also often subject to verbal and physical aggression. The case in FSMP Berkovitsa is not a single one. Unfortunately, we have come to the point where we need urgent help to restore the public's faith and respect for medical professionals.

You can read a post in BTA via the button below.

BTA

The Bulgarian Union of Medical Assistants and Paramedics strongly opposes another case of aggression towards a medical specialist, the Union said.

The organization expresses its support to the paramedic with many years of professional experience Lyubomir Davidkov from the Branch for Emergency Medical Care - Berkovitsa.

On August 4, in the branch, which is located in the building of the Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment - Berkovitsa, colleague Davidkov was attacked while on duty. The attacker is a patient who was intoxicated and was aggressive towards the medic while he was in emergency care.

There are over 1300 medical assistants (feldshers) in the country, working in the emergency medical centers and their affiliates. The case in Berkovitsa is not a single one, the Union added.

On August 6, after an investigation, M.S. was found and detained, who inflicted the beating on the paramedic. He was detained for 72 hours by a prosecutor's decree, the Regional Prosecutor's Office in Montana said.

The publication in Novini.bg can be accessed via the button below.

Novini.bg