Kristian Vigenin calls for European solutions to healthcare workforce crisis

Bulgarian MEP Kristian Vigenin has called for pan-European solutions to address the healthcare workforce crisis during a plenary debate in Strasbourg. He emphasized that the shortage of medical professionals is a current reality affecting thousands of Europeans, particularly in rural, remote, and depopulating areas.

Vigenin highlighted the specific challenges faced by countries like Bulgaria, where investments in training doctors and nurses are often lost as professionals migrate to member states offering higher compensation. This migration exacerbates the workload for remaining staff, who frequently work systemic overtime.

To combat these issues, Vigenin proposed several measures, including improved working conditions and specific incentives such as scholarships, specialization support, housing assistance, and professional development opportunities. He also suggested utilizing telemedicine to improve healthcare access.