„UNI HOSPITAL“ WAS HONORED WITH TWO AWARDS AT BALKAN MEDICAL AWARDS 2024

„Uni Hospital“ won the prize in the category „Hospital Management of the Year“, and the head of the Oncology Center, Dr. Rositsa Krasteva – „Best quality in complex medical care“ 2024. The prestigious awards are a recognition of the humanity and responsibility of doctors, hospitals, clinics and teams with proven significant achievements in the field of healthcare. „I thank the entire team of MBAL „Uni Hospital“ for making the hospital what it is at the moment – one of the leading medical institutions in Bulgaria and the first choice of patients“, said the manager of MBAL „Uni Hospital“, Dr. Yavor Drenski  upon accepting the award.

Dr. Rositsa Krasteva was awarded the prize „Best quality in complex medical care“, which is awarded to a doctor who has provided his patients with quality consultation and specialized services. The criteria for the high score included perfect communication with other doctors, showing flexibility, reliability and commitment to exceptional patient care. „I thank Uni Hospital for giving me the opportunity to do the best for the people of Bulgaria. I thank my parents who are doctors for teaching me to do this with an open heart. Me and the whole team around me show people diagnosed with cancer the best for them because they deserve it. Cancer is a diagnosis, cancer is treatable, you can live with cancer for more than 5 years,“ said Dr. Krasteva. This is the next evaluation for the team of MBAL „Uni Hospital“, which in 2020 at the Balkan Medical Awards won the prizes in the categories „Medical Investments“ and „Special Patient Award“ for Dr. Zahari Zahariev, head of the Radiotherapy Department. In 2016, the hospital in Panagyurishte received the recognition for „Medical Innovations“.

THE CONSTRUCTION OF A CYCLOTRON COMPLEX FOR RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS HAS BEGUN

A ceremonial ground breaking ceremony of the site „Cyclotron complex for the production of radiopharmaceuticals on the site of MBAL Uni Hospital“ took place on June 21. A solemn blessing of water for health and success was officiated by His Eminence the staurophoric priest-steward Atanas Manolov – Vicar of the Orthodox church in Panagyurishte district.

In her exposition, Irina Boteva, executive director of the „Tsotsorkov family“ foundation, introduced the attendees to the history of health care for people in Panagyurishte. It was recalled that on April 29, 2015, the first sod was laid on the new modern medical complex – Multiprofile hospital for active treatment „Uni Hospital“ – an example of a successful partnership between the Municipality of Panagyurishte, „Assarel-Medet“ JSC, attracted investors and dozens of doctors and medical specialists from Panagyurishte and the country. In just a few months, a complete reconstruction of the existing hospital building was carried out and an oncology center, technologically connected to the medical complex, was additionally built. This is the largest investment in Bulgarian healthcare in the last 30 years, thanks to the visionary Prof. Dr. Lachezar Tsotsorkov, who lived and worked with the understanding that we must leave the world a better place after us.

Over the years, the hospital has established itself as a modern medical facility and received prestigious awards, but the most valuable are the thanks of the patients, who award the specialists from MBAL „Uni Hospital“ with the national recognition „Doctors we trust“. „Bulgarian Radiopharmaceutical Company“ will realize a complex for the production of radiopharmaceuticals with a cyclotron. The designer of the complex is „Ri-Sof“ Ltd., the main contractor of the project is „Glavbolgarstroy – Plovdiv“ JSC, construction supervision will be carried out by „Sechkov 1“ Ltd. Pazardzhik. The 16.5 megaelectron volt cyclotron equipment was manufactured by General Electric.

Guests at the ceremony were Stefan Mirev, Member of Parliament, Mrs. Valentina Kaitazova, Regional Governor of Pazardzhik Region, Mr. Ivan Lalov, Chairman of the Municipal Council – Panagyurishte, Engineer Stoyan Bodurov, Deputy Mayor of Panagyurishte Municipality, the Vicar of the Bishop of the Orthodox church in Panagyurishte District, Atanas Manolov, staurophoric priest-steward, Mr. Dimitar Tsotsorkov, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of „Assarel-Medet“ JSC, Eng. Delcho Nikolov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of „Assarel-Medet“ JSC and the executive director of the company, Eng. Nikolay Peltekov, the executive director of „Top Hospital Service“ EAD Mr. Ivaylo Batinkov, the manager of MBAL „Uni Hospital“ Dr. Yavor Drenski and specialists from the hospital, representatives of „Bulgarian Radiopharmaceutical Company“ Ltd, health and pharmaceutical companies, organizations of Bulgarian doctors and patients, businesses and non-governmental organizations.

The use of modern technology, which has proven its application in practice, will satisfy the needs of both Uni Hospital Medical Center and many external customers in the country. The operation of such a facility, in the immediate vicinity of the health facility, will be particularly useful for patients expecting adequate diagnosis. Theranostics is the next step in the modern treatment of malignant diseases. Timely diagnosis and proper treatment can turn patients into winners who get through the disease without drastically changing their quality and lifestyle.

„I am convinced that with the newly established Complex, the hospital will have an even greater opportunity for quality diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients, who are the most suffering people. For us as a team, it will be another challenge to meet their needs. The complex will allow us to expand our activities with the introduction of new research methods, which will be an opportunity for a new, modern approach to the treatment of patients with other diseases,“ said Dr. Yavor Drenski, manager of the „Uni Hospital“ and executive director of „Asarel Panagyurishte Health“. „Uni Hospital’s main concern is to give hope.“ I believe that your investment intentions and this company will contribute to even greater hope for the people who are in the most difficult situation,“ emphasized the chairman of the Panagyurishte Municipal Council, Mr. Ivan Lalov.

Mr. Ivaylo Batinkov, executive director of „Top Hospital Service“ EAD and representative of „Bulgarian Radiopharmaceutical Company“ OOD emphasized that with the help of the cyclotron it will be possible to produce Oxygen 15 – a radioisotope with a lifetime of only 2 minutes, used for various physiological studies related to heart activity. It will also be possible to produce Gallium-68, which is valuable for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. „When we want to develop in the right direction, the traditions and the pursuit of improvement imposed by Prof. Dr. Lachezar Tsotsorkov are decisive“, with these words Mr. Dimitar Tsotsorkov – Chairman of the Supervisory Board of „Assarel – Medet JSC and one of the founders of Bulgarian Radiopharmaceutical Company Ltd. He thanked the attendees for starting a project together with them, which will provide an opportunity to improve treatment and people’s living standards.

 

 

THE UNI HOSPITAL TEAM PLANTED 8 TREES ON THE OCCASION OF THE 8TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OPENING OF THE HOSPITAL

Оn June 11, 2024 – 8 years after the official opening of the „Uni Hospital“ –  representatives of the management of the medical facility planted 8 trees in its yard. Dr. Yavor Drenski, manager of the hospital and executive director of „Asarel Panagyurishte Health“ JSC, thanked the entire team for the high professionalism and excellent medical care they provide to patients.

In his greeting, Dr. Drenski recalled one of Prof. Dr. Lachezar Tsotsorkov’s vows – „There is a single criterion by which I choose which cause to support. Will this cause make the world a better place after us!” recalling that thanks to his visionary look into the future, over 152,000 patients have sought medical care at Uni Hospital since 2016. Along with Dr. Drenski, the trees were planted by Dr. Rositsa Krasteva, head of the Oncology Center „Uni Hospital“, Dr. Zahari Zahariev, head of the Radiotherapy Department, Dr. Rumyana Valkova, director of „Administrative Activities and Human Resources“, Nikolay Gospodinov, Director of „Financial Activity“, Dr. Ventsislav Naydenov, Head of the Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Dr. Mihail Mihailov, member of the Board of Directors of „Asarel Panagyurishte Health“ and Associate Professor Andrian Tonev, Ph.D. head of the Vascular Surgery Clinic and Surgery Block.

MBAL „Uni Hospital“ stands out on the national health map as a multidisciplinary and modern medical facility. Over the years, the hospital has been awarded for „Medical Innovations“, „Medical Investments“, „Quality and Safety“, „Social Responsibility“, „Employer of the Year“. In November 2023, the first hospital heliport was licensed at Uni Hospital.

For us, the Uni Hospital team, each patient is a small world, and therefore a personalized approach is at the forefront of providing high-quality medical treatment.

THE „WE ARE“ VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT OF THE ONCOLOGY CENTER „UNI HOSPITAL“ TURNED INTO A REAL SPORTS CELEBRATION

The „We are“ volleyball tournament of the Oncology Center „Uni Hospital“ turned into a real sports celebration. The event is the sixth of the „Winners“ initiative, which supports cancer patients and provides up-to-date information on malignant diseases and their treatment, and is organized by the Oncology Center at Uni Hospital Medical Center Eight teams tested their strength and desire to win in the spirit of sportsmanship in the „We Are“ volleyball tournament, organized by the Oncology Center of the Uni Hospital Medical Center. The sports forum brought together cancer patients, their relatives, doctors and members of the public to remind that prevention, timely diagnosis and treatment can turn patients into winners, optimally preserving their quality, style and rhythm of life.

The start of the sports competition was given by Dr. Rositsa Krasteva, head of the Oncology Center „Uni Hospital“ and initiator of the campaign and the event: „Cancer is a diagnosis and you can live with this diagnosis, you have to live, that’s why friends help. Everyone is a winner, especially those who make it all the way. But without friends and without help and support things happen much more difficult. We are all here because we support and know that nowadays, even with this diagnosis, life can go on in the most wonderful way,“ shared Dr. Krasteva. The previous winners of the volleyball tournament – the „Saints“ – defended their championship again this year and their team ranked first. In the name of their long-time captain – Petyo Petkov – a special award was established, the winner of which will be the people who support patients diagnosed with cancer. „Veterans“ came second in the tournament, and „Cosmic Dives“ and „Saints – friends“ came third and fourth. All teams and participants showed enviable skills and desire to play on the field, regardless of their experience and age. This did not go unnoticed by the audience and the amazing cheerleaders from the Oncology Center team, who did not stop supporting the players. Among the guests and friends of the sports event were Dr. Mihail Iliev, a long-time doctor of the football team PFK Levski (Sofia) and the national team of Bulgaria, the former volleyball player and national player Nayden Naydenov, who became the captain of the medical team „Calypso“. The legendary goalkeeper Johnny Velinov also honored the event, and his son joined the Uni Hospital team. The judge of the tournament was Rositsa Angelkova, Pan Volley coach and international judge. Students from the capital’s 125 secondary school with principal Venelina Nikolova, as well as the girls’ team from VC „Pan Volei“ also participated in the tournament. The host of the event was Ivo Raichev from Darik Cafe.

Efforts and diligence were not spared by many of the employees of the „Uni Hospital“ MBAL, who traditionally participate in the sports competition: Dr. Zahari Zahariev, head of the Radiotherapy Department, Nikolay Gospodinov, director of „Financial Activities“ of the hospital, the doctors – Dr. Tsvetan Tatarov, Dr. Nikolay Tolev, Dr. Sava Bakalov, the physicist Hristo Delov, the X-ray laboratory technician Oktai Ismailov. The „Winners“ strategic initiative of the Oncology Center „Uni Hospital“ is the first pro-social campaign of an oncology center organized in our country. She continues her tradition of supporting her patients in the manifestation of their adaptive qualities and the development of positive strategies to cope with the consequences of the disease, as well as to inform patients and the public that malignant diseases are curable and patients with this diagnosis can lead fully normal lifestyle. Among the supporters of the initiative are the Municipality of Panagyurishte, VC „Pan Volei“, Commandery „St. Prince Boris I“ from the Order of the Knights Templar of Jerusalem in Bulgaria, the TV show „Speed“, „Darik Cafe“, Rolling Dogs.

THREE DOCTORS FROM MBAL „UNI HOSPITAL“ VISITED CHINA FOR THE PURPOSE OF SCIENTIFIC EXCHANGE

Three doctors from MBAL „Uni Hospital“ – Dr. Ventsislav Naydenov, head of the Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Dr. Mihaela Milusheva and Dr. Tsonka Gushmakova, doctors in the Emergency Department, visited China in November with the aim scientific exchange and cooperation. The project was implemented jointly with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and included a presentation and introduction to traditional Chinese medicine to doctors and specialists from 12 countries around the world. Bulgaria participated with the three doctors from Uni Hospital, which is both the first participation of our country in such a project and the first participation of a country from the European Union. „We are extremely impressed by the organization of work, the professionalism and the scale of the various activities we saw,“ shared the three doctors and emphasized that the visit to China was a unique opportunity to study the combination of the experience of Chinese traditional medicine with the latest technological achievements in the world . The manager of the hospital, Dr. Yavor Drenski, warmly thanked the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Bulgaria and Mr. Krasimir Simeonov, a well-known Chinese scholar and investor, for their assistance in making the visit possible and stressed that this is the beginning of a long-term cooperation project between a Bulgarian hospital and The People’s Republic of China, in order to improve the quality of patient treatment.

The almost one-month training of doctors from „Uni Hospital“ was held in the capital Beijing with the participation of doctors and professors from the university’s Xiyuan Hospital, which is part of the Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. The training included an introduction to the basics of Chinese traditional medicine, ancient Chinese culture and treatment methods, modern techniques and devices used today in the holistic treatment of diseases. Part of the demonstrated methods are acupuncture, acupressure, massage techniques, herbal medicine, electro acupuncture with special acupuncture needles with an insulated stem and others. In the coming months, active work continues on the structuring of the Center for Chinese Traditional Medicine, for which a Memorandum of Cooperation has already been signed between the University of Chinese Traditional Medicine in Jiangxi, China and MBAL Uni Hospital, explained Dr. Drenski.

MEDICAL CENTER „UNI HOSPITAL“ – SOFIA WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED

The center provides highly specialized outpatient medical care and is equipped with the latest generation equipment Medical Center „Uni Hospital“ – Sofia was officially opened with a ceremonial ceremony. The ceremony was attended by representatives of health authorities and regulators, diplomatic missions in our country, civil, non-governmental and patient organizations.

„Uni Hospital“ Medical Center – Sofia will provide highly specialized outpatient medical care and has state-of-the-art equipment for diagnosis, research and treatment. The center’s team is formed by proven doctors with many years of practice. „I believe that MC „Uni Hospital“ – Sofia will become one of the leaders in the capital. The center is a continuation of the sustainable development mission of „Assarel-Medet“, which leads us to invest in projects to support society and its main pillars – healthcare, education and culture“, stated Mr. Dimitar Tsotsorkov, chairman, at the ribbon cutting of the Supervisory Board of „Asarel Medet“ – the company that for years has been investing in increasing the quality of health services in Bulgaria through MBAL „Uni Hospital“ – city of Panagyurishte.

MC „Uni Hospital“ – Sofia will respond to the increased interest of patients from abroad in the hospital in Panagyurishte, with which it will build a lasting and effective partnership in order to improve and facilitate their access when traveling for treatment in Bulgaria. „The center will change the meaning of same-day surgery and therapy. We always put the patient at the center of the system, and here we will provide the opportunity for personalized, complex and high-quality care,“ emphasized Dr. Yavor Drenski, manager of Uni Hospital – Panagyurishte and executive director of Asarel Panagyurishte – Health, at the opening.

The medical center will provide medical services in the following specialties: Obstetrics and gynecology, Vascular surgery, Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and metabolic diseases, Surgery, Medical oncology, Radiation therapy, Orthopedics and traumatology, Plastic-reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, Dermatology, Nervous diseases, Anesthesiology and Intensive Care and Clinical Laboratory.

DONOR SITUATION AT UNI HOSPITAL – A 76-YEAR-OLD BULGARIAN MAN GAVE A CHANCE FOR LIFE TO A ROMANIAN CITIZEN

A donor situation implemented by a medical team at „MBAL Uni Hospital“, with coordinator Dr. Doncho Tashkov, gave a chance for life to a Romanian patient in need of a transplant. This becomes possible after, on November 16, the relatives of a brain-dead 76-year-old man made the noble decision to donate his organs and give life to other complete strangers. Due to the donor’s medical indications, it was not possible to perform an organ transplant in Bulgaria.

Under a cooperation agreement between the Executive Agency „Medical Supervision“ and the National Agency for Transplantation of Romania, the liver was provided to the Romanian side. The transport of the Romanian explantation team was carried out by helicopter to the hospital heliport for the implementation of emergency medical assistance flights by air of „MBAL Uni Hospital“, officially opened on November 15.

The Ministry of Health, „Medical Supervision“ and MBAL „Uni Hospital“ offer their sincere condolences to the man’s relatives and express their gratitude and respect for the noble decision taken at a difficult time for them to save human lives.

THE FIRST LICENSED HOSPITAL HELIPORT IN OUR COUNTRY WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED AT MBAL „UNI HOSPITAL“

With a demonstration landing of a helicopter and a ceremonial ribbon cutting, the emergency air assistance was launched in Panagyurishte The first licensed hospital heliport in our country for the execution of emergency medical aid flights by air was officially opened on November 15 at MBAL „Uni Hospital“. A demonstration landing of a BEL-306 helicopter kicked off the solemn ceremony. The ribbon was cut by the Minister of Health Prof. Hristo Hinkov, the Minister of Energy Rumen Radev, the Deputy Minister of Health Prof. Ilko Getov, the Chief Director of the „Civil Aviation Administration“ Anelia Marinova, the Commander of Krumovo Air Base Brigadier General Dimitar Ivanov, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of „Asarel-Medet“ Dimitar Tsotsorkov and the manager of MBAL „Uni Hospital“ Dr. Yavor Drenski. „When these flights are necessary, let them end with saved human lives,“ declared Minister Hinkov against the background of the helicopter taking off. Dimitar Tsotsorkov emphasized that the aspiration of „Asarel-Medet“ and MBAL „Uni Hospital“ is to make Bulgaria a better place to live, staying true to Prof. Lachezar Tsotsorkov’s promise to be pioneers in the development of hospital care in our country, because „To start first means to be on time“. The Chief Director of the „Civil Aviation Administration“ Anelia Marinova handed over the documents for the certification of the heliport to Dr. Drenski and stated that in the register of the directorate, the airport in MBAL „Uni Hospital“ is number one. The manager of the medical facility accepted the documents, pointing out that the presence of a hospital heliport is another additional opportunity for timely response and transportation of patients with polytraumatic conditions, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The registration of such infrastructure is carried out in accordance with the requirements of Ordinance No. 20 of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, which regulates the operational suitability of airports, the licensing of airport operators and ground handling.

DOCTORS FROM „UNI HOSPITAL“ HAVE EARNED THE TRUST OF PATIENTS

Dr. Rositsa Krasteva, Dr. Milena Arnaudova and Dr. Gergana Mizgova were among over 300 doctors who attended the 13th „Doctors We Trust“ ceremony. The event took place in the capital’s Hyatt Hotel on October 17 and was honored by the Prime Minister Academician Nikolay Denkov and the Minister of Health Prof. Hristo Hinkov. A total of five doctors from MBAL „Uni Hospital“ became part of this year’s edition of the league, created and organized by „24 Chasa“:

• Angel Prodanov, procurator and specialist in anesthesiology and intensive care;
• Rositsa Krasteva, head of the Oncology Center and the Department of Medical Oncology;
• Milena Arnaudova, Head of the Hemodialysis Department;
• Gergana Mizgova, head of the Microbiology Laboratory;
• Pencho Penchev, doctor in the Department of Cardiology.

As every year, only doctors nominated by their patients for the quality of their work are included in the „Doctors We Trust“ League.

 

NEW AWARD FOR THE ONCOLOGY CENTER AT MBAL „UNI HOSPITAL“

The oncology center of MBAL „Uni Hospital“ received new recognition for its high qualification and professional activity. The head of the Radiation Therapy Department at the Center, Dr. Zahari Zahariev, has been elected as the main coordinator of the Expert Council on „Radiation Therapy“ at the Ministry of Health. The oncology center, headed by Dr. Rositsa Krasteva, unites the departments of Medical Oncology, Radiation Therapy and Nuclear Medicine, which offer the most modern, scientifically proven and innovative medical care. Along with the implementation of the world standard in the field of oncology treatment, the Center develops scientific and research activities, thus maintaining and constantly increasing the competence of its specialists. The center applies the principles of personalized medicine and follows the bio-psycho-social model, which allows the provision of complex medical care and psychological support for patients and their relatives. The election of Dr. Zahariev as the main coordinator of the Expert Council on „Radiation Therapy“ is both proof of the Center’s successful activity and recognition of Dr. Zahariev’s professionalism, based on more than 25 years of experience. The Department of Radiotherapy at the Uni Hospital Oncology Center is one of the leaders in the country and the initiator of the annual National Radiosurgery Meetings, which are held in Panagyurishte and where the latest trends in the treatment of oncological diseases are presented and the leading specialists in the field gather.

The Expert Councils of the Ministry of Health include from 3 to 7 prominent specialists from the relevant medical specialties with proven professional experience and authority. Their applications are offered by scientific medical societies, medical institutions and medical universities. The members of the expert councils provide methodical assistance to medical facilities and control bodies in the health care system in the introduction, implementation and control of medical standards. Each expert council has a chief coordinator, for whom Dr. Zahariev was elected, who leads the work and is responsible for providing consultations and opinions. The radiotherapy department is equipped with the latest generation of equipment – two latest generation TrueBeam STX multimodal linear accelerators, one of which has an upgrade for radiosurgery (Edge attachment) and a Flexitron high-dose rate brachytherapy device. In 2021, the Radiotherapy Department became the only one in the country to have the Varian Calypso system for radiosurgery in early prostate cancer. The Varian Calypso System detects even the slightest movement of the prostate via three tiny magnets placed in the tumor and feeds real-time information to the linear accelerator (the machine that delivers the radiation). The accelerator adjusts the directed beams so that the tumor in the prostate is irradiated with extreme precision, while sparing and protecting healthy surrounding tissue.

The Calypso system is suitable for treating patients with early prostate cancer and is an alternative to surgical treatment. With the Varian Calypso System, the treatment time is significantly shortened and the patient undergoes only five treatment procedures, with no side effects of radiation. In the department, there are options for the therapy of malignant and non-tumor diseases through: individual radiation therapy, postoperative radiation therapy and/or combined chemo-radiation therapy. Patients with tumor diseases of the mammary gland, cervix and body (endometrium) of the uterus, pharynx, larynx and oral cavity, rectum and anus, lung, prostate and urogenital system, brain tumors, as well as palliative radiation therapy for bone metastases are treated or bleeding for analgesia and hemostasis.

 

DR. REGINA HATTER STARS IN THE BTV BROADCASTING THE CHANGED

Dr. Regina Hater is the president of the Bulgarian Association for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Dr. Regina Hater, MD, Head of the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery at Uni Hospital Medical Center participated in „Changed“ – a bTV broadcasting. Dr. Hater is part of the team that made the desired transformation of the future mother-in-law, jeweler Gabriela Eshrefova, a reality. You can see more here: https://bit.ly/41DAIus