Medical workers from all over Bulgaria gathered for a national protest in front of the National Assembly in Sofia at 11th September. Hundreds of nurses, paramedics, midwives and other healthcare professionals demanded once again a decent pay for their work, better working conditions and a complete change in the way the healthcare system in Bulgaria works.
“No commercial companies in healthcare” and “Health is not a commodity” were two of the main slogans that hang around the monument of the Tsar Liberator in the capital. There was the sixth national protest of medical professionals recently.
Healthcare workers from Sofia, Plovdiv, Haskovo, Pazardzhik, Varna, Burgas, Sliven, Kazanlak, Vidin, Montana, Pleven, Troyan, Kardzhali and many other cities in the country gathered before parliament to make clear to MPs: “No to trade with health”.
Protesting medical professionals also said that in recent months, many of them have been threatened to cease their activities. With many posters, “We’re not afraid,” they responded to the pressure. They are adamant that they will continue with the protests until they are paid a decent wage and better working conditions.
“Health is not a trade, the patient is not an ATM,” we can read from another poster. Protesting health workers were supported by numerous solidarity citizens, left and feminist associations and collectives, trade unions and others.
The rally in front of parliament later turned into a procession that crossed major streets and boulevards in the capital.
Nurses’ frustration erupted in March this year, with mobilizations going on for more than 6 months and it seems they will not stop. What’s more, nurses seem to be getting more and more support.
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