News

20 October 2025

"As Ombudsman and as a citizen, I believe that the attitude towards doctors reflects the maturity of a society. It is our common duty to preserve this trust and mutual respect, because without it neither the healthcare system nor the state can be fully meaningful. I congratulate you on the professionalism and humanity you bring to your work, and I congratulate the award-winning doctors—in recognition of their contribution and inspiration to us all." This was said by Ombudsman Veleslava Delcheva at the "Doctor of the Year 2025" ceremony, organised by the Bulgarian Medical Association.

The Ombudsman addressed young doctors in particular, who are just starting out on their careers, and emphasized that their demands for dignified treatment, fair conditions, and opportunities for development are entirely justified. "Support for young professionals is an investment in the health and future of the nation," Delcheva said emphatically.

She pledged institutional commitment to always defend the right of every doctor to work in an environment of respect, security, and fairness, and of every patient to receive dignified treatment and care.

"This is a mutual responsibility that we can only fulfill through dialogue and trust," Delcheva added.

The Ombudsman presented the special award for medical dedication and ethics "Dr. Stefan Cherkezov" to the emergency physician and deputy head of the Emergency Medicine Department at the Pazardzhik Multiprofile Hospital, Dr. Dimitar Bakalov.

He was awarded the distinction for demonstrating exceptional professionalism and humanity – on 4 July this year, during a short stay in Pomorie, Dr Bakalov saved the life of a man in clinical death and helped a woman who was unconscious. He is also the initiator of a national campaign against vaping and nitrous oxide, a cause championed by the Ombudsman Institution.

The Golden Award "Doctor of the Year" was presented to Prof. Nikolay Gabrovski, MD, an Associate Member of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences , head of the Neurosurgery Clinic and deputy director of medical activities at Pirogov Emergency Multiprofile University Hospital.