Dr. Rumyana Valkova and Dr. Tsvetolyub Mitev Take the Lead at Uni Hospital

Dr. Rumyana Valkova and Dr. Tsvetolyub Mitev have been elected as the Managing Directors of Uni Hospital following a General Assembly of the medical facility. Until now, Dr. Valkova held the position of Director of Administrative Activities and Human Resources at the hospital, while Dr. Mitev was Head of the Gastroenterology Department. The two directors shared that their main goal is for Uni Hospital to continue to be a benchmark for excellent medical care, providing a personalized approach to each patient.

Dr. Valkova graduated in Medicine in 1997. In 2010, she earned a specialty in Emergency Medicine. She has worked as a physician at the Emergency Medical Center in Sofia; as a doctor and deputy head at the Emergency Department of St. Anna University Hospital; as a medical auditor at the Regional Health Insurance Fund (RHIF) – Sofia Region; and as Director of the Medical Activities Directorate at the Regional Health Inspectorate – Sofia Region. She holds a Master’s degree in Health Management and has completed various trainings and courses such as “Leadership for Good Governance,” “Project – Development and Management of Healthcare Projects,” and “Psycho-social Counseling for Children and Adolescents.” She also lectures on “Basic First Aid” for the Bulgarian Red Cross.

Dr. Tsvetolyub Mitev graduated in Medicine in 1991 from the Medical University in Pleven. He holds specialties in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, as well as a Master’s degree in Public Health and Health Management.

His previous positions include working at the District Hospital in Vidin, Fifth General Hospital – Sofia, Second General Hospital – Sofia, Acibadem City Clinic Oncology Center, First University Hospital “St. John the Baptist,” and the Medical Institute of the Ministry of Interior – Sofia. In 2024, Dr. Mitev was named “Doctor of the Year” at Uni Hospital.

Both new managing directors of Uni Hospital are part of the “Doctors We Trust” initiative by 24 Chasa newspaper.

Dr. Tsvetolyub Mitev is „Doctor of the Year 2024“ at „Uni Hospital“

Dr. Tsvetolyub Mitev, Head of the Department of Gastroenterology at „Uni Hospital,“ was awarded the title of „Doctor of the Year 2024“ at the hospital. Dr. Mitev expressed his gratitude for the recognition to his entire team and dedicated the award to his parents.

The official ceremony for the annual hospital awards took place on December 16 at the „Arena Asarel“ sports hall. Greetings and best wishes for the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays were delivered by the CEO of „Uni Hospital,“ Dr. Yavor Drenski, the Executive Director of „Asarel Medet“ JSC, Engineer Nikolay Peltekov, and the Mayor of Panagyurishte Municipality, Mr. Zhelyazko Gagov.

Dr. Rositsa Krusteva, PhD Head of the Oncology Center and the Department of Medical Oncology, received a special certificate for her „Sustainable Approach in Applying the Latest European Practices in Medical Oncology,“ while Assoc. Prof. Dr. Irena Velcheva was recognized for her „Comprehensive Contribution to the Development of Neurology and the Hospital.“

Dr. Kerim Afti, Head of the Urology Clinic, was awarded in the „Patient Choice 2024“ category. The recognition „Young Doctor 2024“ went to Dr. Kevork Baklayan, a resident in the Cardiology Department. Dr. Ainura Changalova from the Department of Medical Oncology was named „Young Oncologist 2024.“ Senior nurse Elena Stankova from the Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care was awarded „Nurse of the Year 2024,“ and Lyubka Doshkova from the Neurology Clinic was honored as „Sanitary of the Year 2024.“ The „Administrator of the Year 2024“ award went to the team responsible for preventive screenings: Dr. Rumyana Valkova, Director of Administrative Affairs and Human Resources, and Ms. Miroslava Mihova.

The annual awards at „Uni Hospital,“ presented by the Hospital Management, including Dr. Drenski, Deputy CEO Dr. Angel Prodanov, PhD, Dr. Valkova, and Financial Director Nikolay Gospodinov, recognize the honorees for their high professionalism, contributions to the hospital’s reputation, and dedication to the patients.

The talented dancers from the „Bulgare“ Ensemble, who preserve Bulgaria’s folkloric heritage with their artistic talent, were the surprise of the evening. Special musical greetings were also offered by Stoyko Shopov, a scholarship recipient of the hospital and winner of numerous national and international music awards. The festive evening was filled with dancing and musical performances, creating an exciting atmosphere for over 400 doctors, nurses, orderlies, hospital staff, and guests who attended the celebration.

 

Two Unique Procedures Performed at „Uni Hospital“

The procedures are radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of bone tumors and fine-needle biopsy of bone tumors.

Dr. Sergey Stoyanov, orthopedic traumatologist and consultant at „Uni Hospital,“ performs two unique procedures in Bulgaria – radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of bone tumors and fine-needle biopsy of bone tumors. With over 25 years of experience, he is the only specialist in Bulgaria who applies RFA as the gold standard in the treatment of osteoid osteoma.

„Radiofrequency ablation is also applied in other aspects and types of tumor diseases of the musculoskeletal system – certain forms of osteoblastoma and chondroblastoma, and as an adjunctive method for others. It is also well-suited for chronic pain in certain orthopedic conditions such as coxarthrosis, gonarthrosis, tennis elbow, and heel pain,“ emphasizes Dr. Stoyanov. Part of his expertise includes consultations and treatment of soft tissue and bone tumors, as well as performing biopsy clarification, including fine-needle biopsy.

From 2003 to 2008, Dr. Stoyanov worked at the University Specialized Hospital for Active Treatment in Orthopedics (USBALO) „Prof. Boycho Boychev“ in Gorna Banya. He worked for 16 years as an orthopedic traumatologist at Acibadem City Clinic Tokuda Hospital. For the past 5 years, he has had a private practice in Sofia with a contract with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

For more information: 0357 88 581; 0878 286 553.

 

VERSIUS Robotic-Assisted Surgery System Successfully Implemented at „Uni Hospital“

The new robot provides specialists with a higher level of minimally invasive and highly precise operations in urology, gynecology, general, and thoracic surgery.
The VERSIUS robotic-assisted surgery system has been successfully implemented at „Uni Hospital.“ VERSIUS is next-generation technology that allows surgeons to operate with all the advantages of robotic-assisted surgery.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Boyko Atanasov, DM, Head of the Surgery Clinic at the hospital, explained that the modular system, which incorporates artificial intelligence, helps ensure rapid postoperative recovery for patients and maximum aesthetic outcomes during interventions. The innovation provides total high-resolution 3D visualization, significantly improving the precision and effectiveness of surgeons both during planned, routine surgeries and in emergency operations or those with high complexity. All of these advantages for both doctors and patients ultimately mean the most important thing, as emphasized by Prof. Atanasov: a lower risk of complications.
The VERSIUS system will allow teams in the Urology Clinic, Surgery Department, Thoracic Surgery Department, and Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at „Uni Hospital“ to offer their patients treatment that is more accessible, less invasive, and less traumatic. Dr. Kerim Afti, Head of the Urology Clinic at the hospital, highlighted that VERSIUS makes surgical robotics more accessible and easy to apply, allowing procedures traditionally performed through open surgery to now be done with minimal access techniques. This has undeniable advantages for patients, providing them with medical care at the highest level.
Robotic-assisted surgery is becoming the preferred method for the surgical treatment of oncological diseases. This technology facilitates surgical procedures and enables complex interventions to be performed with greater precision and less invasiveness. An additional benefit for the hospital is that the new technology allows for multidisciplinary, independent use.
For more information and to schedule an appointment: 0878 286 553; 0357/88 581

„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.