Bulgaria's National Children's Hospital faces funding shortfall

Deputy Mayor of Sofia Georgi Klisurski warned that the 2026 state budget provides no funding for the National Children’s Hospital, jeopardising a project valued at roughly €400 million. The budget omits any allocation for the hospital through 2028, despite the plan being a strategic health priority.

Public‑council member Nadezhda Tsekulova confirmed that the construction phase is stalled because the state budget lacks the needed construction funds, even though the Health Investment Company holds about €47 million for design work. The cancellation of a public tender for the hospital’s design has further delayed progress, raising concerns about the future of pediatric care and access to treatment for children across Bulgaria.