Bulgarian Deputy Health Minister faces criticism over remarks to young doctors

Bulgarian Deputy Minister of Health Nikolay Valov has drawn criticism following a meeting with young doctors at the Ministry of Health. According to Vasilena Kiara Dimitrova, a medical student and representative of the young doctors, Valov began the meeting by stating that participants should be quick because his time is expensive.

During the discussion regarding the 2027 health budget and proposed monthly stipends of 350 euros for medical residents, Dimitrova noted that the young doctors argued these stipends do not constitute a sustainable reform and fail to include all affected specialists. In response to these demands for systemic healthcare reform, Valov reportedly replied, “I also want to drive a Lamborghini.”

The meeting included Health Minister Katya Ivkova and representatives from the “Future in Bulgaria” initiative. While Minister Ivkova highlighted the proposed stipends as a positive step, the young doctors expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of comprehensive reform and the manner in which the budget was presented.