Bulgaria Faces Nursing Shortage as Over 10% of Nurses Have Left in the Past Decade

Bulgaria has experienced a significant decline in its nursing workforce, with over 10% of nurses lost in the past decade, according to an analysis by the Institute for Market Economics. This has led to growing concerns over the shortage of nurses in the country, especially as the number of doctors has slightly increased. The situation has raised serious questions about the quality of medical services, as there is now an average of less than one nurse per doctor, a trend that has worsened since 2019.

To address this issue, the Institute for Market Economics has proposed a set of ten solutions to combat the shortage of nurses. One of the key suggestions is to significantly raise nurses' salaries, with a goal of doubling them within one or two years. This would require an adequate financing mechanism to ensure that the funds reach the nurses directly. Additionally, the scope of tasks for caregivers and unqualified nurses should be expanded, allowing them to perform certain duties under specific conditions in healthcare settings.

Another recommendation is to shorten the duration of nursing education by two semesters, aligning it with the minimum requirements of EU Directive 2005/36. There is also a need for targeted measures aimed at improving the retention rate of nursing students in Bulgaria. Furthermore, the country should explore options for attracting nurses from non-EU countries, where there is a strong demand for healthcare professionals.

The proposal also suggests allowing nurses to establish their own practices and negotiate their remuneration with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). To help with career development, a clear path for progression should be introduced, including defined horizons for salary growth, further education,...