The first stroke center in our country opened its doors at St. Anna University Hospital

The first fully completed stroke center in Bulgaria was inaugurated at St. Anna University Hospital in Sofia, according to the Ministry of Health. The center is part of a large-scale investment under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, which envisages the construction of a total of six high-tech units for interventional diagnostics and endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular diseases.

The opening was attended by the Minister of Health, Assoc. Prof. Mikhail Okoliyski, and Deputy Minister Dr. Petar Gribnev, who were welcomed by the management of the medical institution and the center’s team.

“What I have seen makes me believe that even more human lives will be saved here,” stated Minister Okoliyski, after familiarizing himself with the entire patient journey—from admission to the emergency department, through diagnostics, to treatment and intensive care.

According to Deputy Minister Gribnev, the new centers will operate around the clock. “Today we are taking a decisive step forward in saving even more human lives. These high-tech centers will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” he emphasized.

The new stroke center is equipped with modern apparatus, including a biplane angiographic system and artificial intelligence technologies that support rapid and accurate diagnostics. This allows for the application of minimally invasive treatment methods and shortens patient recovery time.

The remaining five centers are being established at Pirogov Emergency Hospital and St. Ivan Rilski University Hospital in Sofia, as well as at St. George University Hospital in Plovdiv, Dr. Georgi Stranski University Hospital in Pleven, and St. Marina University Hospital in Varna.

In parallel, the creation of 17 regional centers for the diagnosis of cerebrovascular diseases is planned, which will be connected in real-time to the high-tech units via a special digital platform. This will ensure faster access to specialized care and coordination of treatment throughout the country.

The Ministry of Health indicates that the implementation of this investment lays the foundation for a new model for the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases in our country, with a focus on timely diagnosis, rapid intervention, and better outcomes for patients.

More information regarding the investment, funding, deadlines, and regional medical institutions can be found in the attached file here.