Desislava Malinova on bTV: We will not make compromises with the National Children's Hospital
19 July 2025
We will not make compromises with the National Children's Hospital, and all processes will occur publicly and transparently. This commitment was made by the Director of the Health Investment Company for Children's Hospital (HICCH), Ms. Desislava Malinova, on the show "Tazi Sabota" on bTV. She indicated that the public procurement for the design of the children's hospital will be announced in the shortest possible time. Malinova emphasized that the estimated value of the project is the result of an independent international expert assessment prepared with the participation of the European Investment Bank and the consulting consortium IDOM.
The assessment covers the entire process – from design to the opening of the hospital to patients, including construction, equipment, furnishing, supervision, management, and a reserve for possible unforeseen expenses. "These parameters are the result of a detailed analysis," stated Ms. Malinova, thanking all participants in the process – partners and the Public Council for the construction of the National Multiprofile Children's Hospital. Assoc. Prof. Boryana Avramova, head of the Pediatric Hematology and Oncohematology Clinic at "Tsaritsa Yoanna – ISUL" University Hospital and a member of the Public Council, also participated in the discussion. "The unpleasant part is that the Public Council was implicated, and specifically as the source of the information regarding the price of the children's hospital," stated Assoc. Prof. Avramova, adding that the council's role is to control and create conditions for transparency in all activities during the construction process of the children's hospital.
The Backbone of the Hospital: Medical Personnel
Emphasis was also placed on the necessary medical staff. "It is important to note that the backbone of the future children's hospital will be the current 'Prof. Ivan Mitev' Specialized Children's Hospital. Currently, about 340 people work there – a wonderful team of professionals who will be at the core. They will be joined by specialists from other existing pediatric structures that will be relocated," explained the Director of HICCH.
Ms. Malinova also highlighted policies related to staff shortages in the healthcare system, which are being pursued in parallel with the construction. "In the Ministry of Health's project to encourage specialization in fields and regions with shortages, emphasis is placed on pediatric specialties. Both doctors and dentists, as well as nurses and midwives, can apply for this project. Approved candidates receive a monthly financial incentive amounting to 2.5 minimum wages – in addition to their salary," she said.
