After the Socialist Revolution of 1944, Bulgaria began a new era in public health. During the first few years, the government issued several important laws to protect the population. These included laws on maternity and child health, as well as laws for controlling venereal diseases and tuberculosis. A number of other regulations were also introduced to improve hygiene, disease prevention, and the organization of health services Personal Sofia Tours.
To manage the supply of medicines, the government established the Pharmaceutic State Firm. This allowed the state to take full responsibility for the production, distribution, and regulation of pharmaceuticals, ensuring that essential medicines were available throughout the country.
The 1977 Constitution and Public Health
A major milestone in Bulgaria’s public health history was the ratification of the first Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria in 1977. For the first time, the responsibility of the State and society for protecting, promoting, and restoring health was legally recognized. The Constitution confirmed that the health and working capacity of the people were of national importance.
This principle was famously expressed by Georgi Dimitrov, who said, “The health and the working capacity of the people are the most precious national wealth.” This idea became the foundation for all public health initiatives and guided the government’s policies for many years Public Health Challenges in Bulgaria Before 1944.
Expansion of Rural Health Services
One of the main goals of the post-revolution government was to provide primary health care for rural populations, which had been underserved for decades. New medical facilities were organized in villages, including dental surgeries, maternity hospitals, crèches, and pharmacies. In just four years, the number of medical staff in rural areas doubled, ensuring that residents had access to doctors, nurses, and essential services for the first time.
Development of Urban Health Services
At the same time, the government focused on urban populations. The construction of outpatient medical facilities was intensified in towns and cities. These clinics provided primary medical assistance, allowing residents to receive timely care without relying solely on hospitals. This approach improved access to medical care, reduced waiting times, and made it easier to monitor and prevent diseases in urban communities.
The period after the Socialist Revolution marked a turning point for Bulgaria’s public health system. Laws protecting mothers, children, and patients with infectious diseases were introduced, and the government took full responsibility for drug supply and healthcare management. The 1977 Constitution reinforced the state’s duty to protect the health of its citizens, while major investments in rural and urban healthcare improved access and quality of medical services. These reforms laid the foundation for a modern, organized, and accessible national health system, which addressed the medical needs of all Bulgarians, both in towns and villages.
