The development of socialist society in Bulgaria has required increasing efforts to meet the growing needs for public medical care. In response, the country’s health services have expanded, improved, and become more effective, especially in providing primary medical care. This continuous development ensures that every citizen has access to quality medical services, preventive measures, and specialized care when needed Annual Preventive Examinations for Children and Workers.
Expansion of Outpatient and Specialized Services
By the end of 1976, the total number of outpatient establishments in Bulgaria, including stomatological outpatient departments and specialized outpatient and inpatient facilities, reached 3,620. These facilities are distributed across towns and villages, ensuring that both urban and rural populations have access to medical care.
A major achievement in recent years has been the consolidation of the microregional medical care system. Over the last ten years, the number of microregions—small territorial units served by teams of medical professionals—has doubled. This has allowed for more organized, accessible, and coordinated medical care for all citizens daily tour sofia.
Increase in Patient Visits
The scope of outpatient medical assistance has expanded significantly. By the end of 1976, there were 59 million visits to physicians and 15 million visits to dentists throughout the country. This means that, on average, each citizen made 9.2 visits per year to a physician or dentist. Such figures show the effectiveness and accessibility of the healthcare system in ensuring preventive care, timely treatment, and follow-up for every patient.
The Follow-Up Method
A fundamental approach in the general and specialized outpatient network is the follow-up method. This method ensures that every patient is monitored continuously, and their health is tracked over time. The follow-up method includes:
Monitoring patients’ general health, chronic conditions, and recovery progress
Scheduling preventive examinations and immunizations
Guiding patients in adopting healthy lifestyle habits
Coordinating care between microregional physicians and specialized doctors
Ensuring that children, pregnant women, the elderly, and workers in industrial enterprises receive specific attention
The follow-up method also strengthens the connection between primary care and specialized care. Patients who need advanced diagnostics, treatment, or rehabilitation are referred to higher-level establishments, ensuring continuity of care.
Integration of General and Specialized Care
Outpatient departments combine primary medical care with specialized services. Microregional physicians work together with specialists in internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, and stomatology to provide complete care. This coordination ensures timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and preventive measures. Specialized departments, such as oncology, pneumology, psychiatry, and dermatology, guide local facilities and participate in follow-up activities.
Achievements and Future Directions
The continuous development of the healthcare system has increased the population’s access to medical care, improved preventive services, and strengthened public health education. The expansion of microregions, the growth of outpatient facilities, and the application of the follow-up method demonstrate Bulgaria’s commitment to a comprehensive and accessible healthcare system. In the future, these efforts aim to further improve the quality of care, reduce the incidence of diseases, and promote the health culture of the population.
