Blagoevgrad lung hospital faces financial and legal crisis

The Specialized Hospital for Active Treatment of Pneumo-Phthisiatric Diseases in Blagoevgrad is facing a crisis regarding its management and financial stability. Local officials, including Mayor Methodi Baikushev and Municipal Council Chair Antoaneta Bogdanova, have warned of significant risks to the hospital's existence due to the termination of contracts for three clinical pathways. According to Hospital Manager Dr. Vladislav Pandeve, these pathways account for over 70% of the facility's revenue.

Adding to the tension, the hospital's manager and head nurse are under investigation by the prosecutor's office for alleged document fraud involving approximately 20,000 BGN from the National Health Insurance Fund. An internal municipal audit has also raised concerns regarding the hospital's expenditures.

In response, Dr. Pandeve defended the institution, stating that the hospital remains financially stable and has seen a steady increase in patient numbers over the last three years. He characterized the recent criticism as ‘unmotivated aggression’ and suggested that local plans to build a social service facility near the hospital site may be contributing to the conflict. The legal dispute regarding the clinical pathways is expected to be resolved by the Supreme Administrative Court.