BMA: New Outpatient Clinics Will Not Solve the Healthcare System's Staffing Crisis

In connection with the initiative to build 100 outpatient clinics across 37 municipalities, the Bulgarian Medical Association (BMA) warned that such investments will not achieve the expected results without parallel measures to ensure the availability of medical professionals.

In a position statement, the professional organization emphasized that while improving access to healthcare services in remote areas is a necessary step, the construction of infrastructure and the implementation of telemedicine solutions must be aligned with the actual capacities of the system. According to the medical association, it is particularly important to guarantee the security of patient data and the traceability of medical activities.

The BMA pointed out that one of the primary challenges facing healthcare in the country remains the shortage of personnel. Data from a national survey by the Trend agency shows that the lack of medical specialists and the uneven distribution of services are among the most serious deficits in the system, while infrastructure is ranked as a lower priority by the public.

According to the organization, the logical question arises as to whether the new clinics will be effective if there are not enough doctors to staff them. Experience shows that even with additional incentives from municipalities—such as housing and financial bonuses—interest from medical professionals remains limited.

The association indicates that the problem has deeper roots: an aging medical workforce, an insufficient number of new recruits, and a lack of long-term policies for the retention and development of specialists. This, in their words, further exacerbates the imbalances within the system.

The BMA believes that investments would be more effective if they were carried out in parallel with measures for the training, specialization, and retention of medical personnel within the country. According to the organization, it is necessary to create a predictable and sustainable professional environment that motivates young doctors to pursue their careers in Bulgaria, including in underserved regions.

In conclusion, the association emphasizes that the sustainable development of the healthcare system requires a balanced approach and solutions based on a broad expert consensus. Without sufficient specialists, even modern infrastructure risks remaining underutilized.