One of the most important goals in the early post-revolution period was the rapid training of medical personnel. The number of students admitted to the Medical Faculty increased sharply to meet the growing demand for doctors. In 1946, a new Medical Faculty was opened in Plovdiv, expanding opportunities for medical education outside the capital, Sofia.
At the same time, many schools for paramedical personnel were established. Nursing aides working in hospitals were trained in short courses, often referred to as “Samaritanians,” to improve their basic medical knowledge. These courses provided practical skills for hospital care to those without complete medical education Early Public Health Reforms After the Socialist Revolution.
Special attention was also given to the needs of agricultural workers. Nurses were trained specifically for cooperative farms, with the support of the Bulgarian Red Cross, ensuring that rural populations had access to primary medical care.
Quantitative and Qualitative Changes
During this initial period, significant quantitative improvements were made in Bulgaria’s healthcare system. More doctors, nurses, and medical staff were trained, and new facilities were opened in both towns and villages. At the same time, several qualitative changes were introduced, reflecting the socialist nature of the government’s policies Walking Tour Sofia.
Socialist Reorganization of Public Health
A major reorganization of the public health system began in 1950–1951, following the model of the Soviet public health system. The key reforms included:
Microregional Principle: The country was divided into microregions to serve as the basis for organizing primary medical care.
Integration of Services: Hospitals were integrated with outpatient departments to improve coordination and efficiency.
Specialized Outpatient Departments: A network of specialized outpatient clinics was developed to provide care for specific illnesses.
Follow-up System: Continuous follow-up care became a standard method in all medical facilities, ensuring long-term monitoring of patients’ health.
In addition, the State Sanitary Inspectorate was founded in 1951 to supervise public hygiene. Services for sanitary inspection and epidemiological surveillance were also established between 1950 and 1952. These measures strengthened disease prevention and public health monitoring, especially in rural areas.
Free Medical Care for All
A historic reform was the introduction of nation-wide, free medical care in 1951. This policy had great social, political, and medical significance. It provided every Bulgarian citizen with access to medical services regardless of income or location, improving public health and social equality. The system also benefited agricultural workers, particularly those in cooperative farms, who gained access to dispensaries and outpatient care.
The period following the Socialist Revolution saw both quantitative and qualitative improvements in Bulgaria’s public health system. Rapid expansion of medical education, creation of paramedical schools, and specialized training for rural nurses increased the workforce. At the same time, socialist reforms, such as the microregional principle, integrated hospital and outpatient care, and the introduction of free medical services, transformed the healthcare system into a comprehensive, accessible, and socially oriented structure. These reforms laid the foundation for modern public health in Bulgaria.
