Bulgarian Health Minister faces conflict of interest allegations

Bulgarian Health Minister Katya Ivkova has raised concerns regarding the dangers of illegal cosmetic injections, noting that over 73 online platforms have been identified selling medications with unknown compositions. These findings have been referred to the General Directorate for Combating Organized Crime.

However, allegations of lobbying and conflicts of interest have emerged following a joint press conference between the Ministry and Desislava Vlasakieva. Vlasakieva is a procurator at the Implantik clinic, which offers legal peptides and expensive anti-aging procedures. Critics suggest the “Health Without Risk” campaign, supported by the Executive Agency for Medicines, may be serving as a platform for hidden advertising to protect private cosmetic businesses from online competition.

Reports also highlight the involvement of Toma Tomov, known as Maybaha, as an official partner in the medical center. Tomov is described as an influential figure in the Bulgarian healthcare sector with previous advisory roles for two ministers.