The People’s Republic of Bulgaria is located in Southeast Europe. The country covers an area of approximately 110,000 square kilometers. At the end of 1976, Bulgaria had a population of 8,758,763 people. About 59 percent of the population lived in cities, while 41 percent lived in rural areas. The population density was around 79.2 people per square kilometer. People aged 60 and older made up 15.9 percent of the population. The birth rate at the time was 16.5 per 1,000 people, while the overall mortality rate was 10.1 per 1,000 Customized Sofia Tours.
Bulgaria is a socialist country. Its highest legislative authority is the National Assembly. Government functions in local areas are represented by district and municipal People’s Councils. Executive powers are exercised by the State Council, the Council of Ministers, and the Executive Committees of the People’s Councils. Administratively, Bulgaria is divided into 28 districts, which include both town and village municipalities.
Historical Background
Bulgaria was founded in 681 A.D. Its history is long and complex, marked by periods of prosperity and decline. One of the most challenging periods was the five-century-long Ottoman rule (14th–19th century). During this time, the country experienced economic, cultural, and social setbacks. Prior to Ottoman rule, Bulgaria was relatively developed, with its own writing system established as early as the 9th century. However, the centuries under Ottoman control left Bulgaria as one of the less developed countries in Europe.
By the time of Bulgaria’s liberation in 1878, the country’s social and economic conditions were underdeveloped. Social relations were semi-feudal, agriculture was primitive, and there was very little industry. The educated class was small, and the general standard of living was extremely low Christian and Pagan Beliefs in Bulgarian Folk Art.
Early Public Health System
Before liberation, Bulgaria had no organized public health system. People relied on traditional remedies, often provided by family members, local healers, quacks, or monks. Medical care was informal and based largely on folk practices.
After the Liberation in 1878, the foundations of Bulgaria’s public health system were established under the guidance of the Russian Military Administration. Many Bulgarian physicians, who had previously worked abroad, returned home to support the country’s health system. Additionally, some foreign doctors were invited to work in Bulgaria to help overcome the shortage of trained medical personnel.
Training of Medical Staff
To address the lack of qualified health workers, short-term courses for military assistant physicians were organized, lasting 6–8 months. Schools for military and civil assistant physicians were also established. Over a period of 20–25 years, these programs trained a large number of assistant physicians. These trained professionals later formed the foundation of Bulgaria’s military and civil public health system.
This early investment in medical education and training was crucial for building a structured national health system and improving public health standards across the country.
The establishment of Bulgaria’s public health system after liberation reflects the country’s efforts to modernize and organize healthcare despite severe historical challenges. Through the support of returning Bulgarian physicians, foreign experts, and the training of assistant doctors, the foundations were laid for a structured system capable of serving both urban and rural populations. This early work paved the way for the development of Bulgaria’s modern primary healthcare system in the following decades.
