BAAP: Assistant Pharmacists Continue to Work in a Legislative Vacuum

Assistant pharmacists in Bulgaria continue to practice their profession under conditions of a severe legislative vacuum, maintained for years by political decisions in the sector. This was stated by the Bulgarian Association of Assistant Pharmacists (BAAP) in a position paper distributed to the media.

The association points out that unfavorable trends in healthcare and the lack of real reforms have once again led to protests in recent weeks, without resulting in concrete changes for those working in the system. As part of this system, assistant pharmacists remain without a clearly regulated professional status that corresponds to their education and competence.

BAAP recalls that they have repeatedly raised this issue publicly, but so far without result. Despite proving their expertise daily in pharmacies, drugstores, hospital pharmacies, wholesalers, pharmaceutical companies, medical colleges, and universities, their contribution to the healthcare system remains undervalued and unrecognized.

In their position, assistant pharmacists also commented on the program announced by Deputy Minister of Health Yavor Penchev to support healthcare professionals, worth 100 million euros and planned for 2026. According to them, their profession is missing from the presented measures, as it is not included in the healthcare standards adopted by the Ministry of Health, and their competencies in pharmaceutical care are practically denied.

According to BAAP, this systemic neglect leads to serious demotivation not only among working assistant pharmacists but also among young people considering this profession. “Who benefits from a shortage of personnel, from a rejection of European practices and standards, and from the weakening of an entire profession?” the association asks.

BAAP further reminds that over the years they have received support from the World Health Organization, the European Association of Pharmacy Technicians (EAPT), as well as from employers, trade unions, local authorities, and patient organizations, but this support remains unreflected in national policies.

The association demands legislative changes to guarantee legal and dignified labor for assistant pharmacists, as well as reforms providing real opportunities for professional and career development for medical specialists.

“We call on politicians to put their egos aside, acknowledge the mistakes made, and take the first necessary step toward a dignified future for Bulgarian healthcare,” BAAP stated.