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BULAF Deputy Chairman Galina Zaharieva in an interview with BGNES commented on the aggression towards the medics

 

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.

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BSLAF and UMHAT ‘Sv. Ekaterina’ signed a memorandum of cooperation

“Doctoral assistants are a hidden resource that has not yet been used qualitatively to solve the staffing problem of Bulgarian healthcare. They are multifunctional specialists who can provide both health care and independently perform routine medical activities, as well as those under the supervision of a doctor. In this sense, medical assistants can be involved in all areas of healthcare.’ This was stated by the Chairman of the Management Board of the Bulgarian Union of Medical Assistants and Paramedics (UBLAF) Alexander Alexandrov at the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the professional association and the St. Ekaterina University Hospital. The signing of the memorandum was signed by the President of BULAF and the Executive Director of St. Ekaterina University Hospital, Prof. Dr. Dimitar Petkov, MD. By signing the memorandum, the two parties declared their willingness to build a sustainable framework of partnership and cooperation aimed at the implementation of good medical practices, the development of human resources in healthcare, the promotion of postgraduate and continuing education, and the implementation of joint initiatives for the benefit of patients and society.

“With the Memorandum, we show that when stakeholders work in one direction, in the mutual interest and in the interest of patients, things work out,” Mr Alexandrov further said. We are categorical that united together and respecting the place, importance, responsibility of each medical professional and in a team, we could do so to quickly solve the problem of personnel deficit. The only winner is the Bulgarian patient," he said.

"The ambition of our professional organization is to train more medical assistants in Bulgarian universities and to have staff resources to support Bulgarian healthcare", added Mr. Alexandrov.

"One of the main problems facing the health system in the country is the severe shortage of medical staff. With this memorandum, we declare our clear will to work to fill this deficit through joint initiatives, training and motivation of new staff and to improve patient care,” stressed Prof. Dimitar Petkov. "Health is a team effort and today we show that bringing together the different medical professions is the key to success. I believe that this memorandum is only the first step. We have a lot of work to do, but I am convinced that together we will achieve results that will be felt by both the medical community and society", added the director of the St. Catherine University Hospital.

Ms. Galina Zaharieva, Deputy Chairwoman of the Bulgarian Medical Association, pointed out that paramedics and medical assistants are well known in the country, but mainly in outpatient and emergency care. ‘There is no tradition in our country of practising the profession in hospital care, but there is interest from both medical institutions and medical assistants. Our ambition is to achieve what our colleagues in other countries have achieved," she said. Analysis of BSLAF shows that worldwide medical assistants with appropriate postgraduate training are very well positioned in almost all structures of medical institutions. “Our profession is multifunctional and can be implemented anywhere. In this sense, we also strive to integrate medical assistants in medical institutions in Bulgaria,” explained Ms Zaharieva.

The Deputy Director of St. Ekaterina University Hospital, Mr. Georgi Naydenov, stressed that the hospital is a pioneer in the field of cardiology, cardiac surgery and vascular surgery, and with the new partnership it continues to build on its development. “We show colleagues how to work between health institutions and professional organisations. The lack of medical staff is a serious challenge, and with this fruitful cooperation, I hope we can overcome it. In addition to giving way to young professionals, it will also have a positive economic effect – in the last year alone, the hospital has increased its activity by more than 30%. We are convinced that this partnership will be of great benefit to both sides," said Mr Naydenov.

Mr Dimitar Dimitrov, Head of Unit, University Hospital ‘St. Ekaterina’ presented good practices around the world, including in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany, where the assistance of the medical assistant is relied upon. ‘Of course, the doctor’s assistant’s actions are under medical supervision. The report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that from 2016 to 2026, doctors' assistants will grow by 37 percent.%  and it is the fastest growing profession in the United States," said Mr Dimitrov.  According to the analysis of St. Ekaterina” the work of the medical team can be eased by including a medical assistant to assist, cooperate and relieve the doctor to some extent,” stressed Mr Dimitrov. He explained that the university hospital could also, through specialisations, train staff to apply what they have learned on the ground in emergency medical centres and affiliates outside major cities in the country, where mainly medical assistants (feldchers) work. According to him, a medical institution with a new approach to training can give more skills, abilities and knowledge to cope with the new challenges facing them. Dimitrov noted the possibility for medical assistants to also be involved in the activities of the Aerial Emergency Medical Service at the St. Petersburg Helicopter Site. Catherine’.

As a new start to the development of a profession for all young medical assistants who want to develop and follow an extremely professional path, the signing of the memorandum was decided by the head of the Emergency Medical Aid Branch - Panagyurishte and Secretary General of BULAF Hristo Ivanov. According to him, the document creates new opportunities for his colleagues who want to develop in the field of emergency care, primary care and in all structures where medical assistants are currently implemented. “As a frame of the emergency medical centres, I can say that through the cooperation with “St. Ekaterina" we could build on our knowledge and skills and be even more useful to our patients and to the medical institution". He added that medical assistants are increasingly seeking additional qualifications.

After the signing of the memorandum, there will be further talks between representatives of the two countries on the development of policies and strategies on how the capacity of the medical assistant (feldshera) in the medical institution can be used.

The Media About Us BUPAF

BTA: A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed by the Bulgarian Union of Medical Assistants and Paramedics and the University Hospital ‘St. Catherine’

 

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.

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Zdrave.net: The medical assistants signed a memorandum of cooperation with the UMHAT ‘St. Catherine’

 

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.

You can read the post on Zdrave.net via the button below.

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

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:

 

BUPAF

Extraordinary General Assembly of RC Lovech – 12 September 2025

Dear colleagues,

The Management Board of RC Lovech, at its extraordinary meeting on 7 July 2025, decided:
A General Assembly shall be convened on the basis of Article 24(2) of the Statutes of the Union of Bulgarian Lafayettes (UBLAF), which shall take place on 12 September 2025 at 10:00 in the building of the Regional Administration in Lovech.
Agenda:
1. Election of a new member of the Ethics Committee
2. Adoption of the Rules of Procedure of the Management Board of RC Lovech .
3. Adoption of Rules of Procedure of the Control Committee of RC Lovech.
4. Adoption of the Rules of Procedure of the Committee on Professional Ethics
RC Lovech.
5. Rules for the collection and spending of regional college funds .
6. Election of delegates and reserve delegates for the Congress of BULFA.
7. Election of Delegates for Extraordinary General Meeting of the RoC pursuant to Art. 24 (5)
According to Article 24. (1) The General Assembly of the Regional College shall be formed on a delegate principle with a standard of representation of one delegate of three members.
I ask for your activity.
10.08.2025

With respect: Katya of Kuken
Chairman of the Managing Board of RC Lovech

News BUPAF

A Memorandum of Cooperation will be signed between the Bulgarian Union of Medical Assistants and Paramedics and St. Ekaterina University Multi-profile Hospital for Active Treatment

A Memorandum of Cooperation will be signed between the Bulgarian Union of Medical Assistants and Paramedics (BSLAF) and St. Ekaterina University Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment.

The memorandum will be officially signed on 13 August at 14.00 at the National Press Club of the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA).

The document will be signed by the Executive Director of the St. Ekaterina University Hospital, Prof. Dr. Dimitar Petkov, MD, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of BULAF, Alexander Alexandrov.

By signing the Memorandum, both parties declare their willingness to build a sustainable framework of partnership and cooperation aimed at the development of human resources in healthcare, the promotion of 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.

News BUPAF

Position of the Board of BSLAF

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 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.
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Newspoint.bg: Union of medical assistants and paramedics with a strong position against violence against medics

 

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.

You can read the post in Newspoint.bg via the button below.