Bulgaria develops domestic lung transplantation capacity

Bulgaria is working to establish domestic capacity for lung transplantations by forming a multidisciplinary medical team. Specialists from the Military Medical Academy (VMA) and St. Ekaterina University Hospital will undergo a six-month specialized training program at the Vienna General Hospital (AKH) in Austria.

Health Minister Katya Ivkova stated that no single Bulgarian hospital currently possesses the full combination of necessary equipment and specialized personnel required for these complex procedures. The initiative aims to build national capacity through this collaborative approach.

To address urgent cases while domestic training is underway, the state is shifting its focus toward partnerships with leading clinics in the United States. This move follows increased restrictions by European hospitals regarding the acceptance of foreign citizens for such procedures.