Today, a meeting of the Management Board of the Medical Cluster Association was held, at which the organization's activities in 2025 were reported. During the discussion, it was emphasized that the cluster is affirming its active participation in the leading topics of healthcare in the Republic of Bulgaria, as a consistent and recognizable partner in the processes of policy formation and expert decisions.
Over the past year, the Medical Cluster has participated in numerous national and sectoral working groups, including in the processes related to the preparation of the Collective Labor Agreement in Healthcare. In parallel, the cluster is working on various initiatives and projects aimed at the development of key and scarce medical specialties, increasing human resource capacity and the sustainability of the healthcare system.
During the meeting, a strategic decision was made to make Life Sciences the leading theme and main focus of the cluster’s policies and activities in 2026. This priority reflects the understanding that modern healthcare requires an integrated, interdisciplinary and long-term approach, covering not only diagnostics and treatment, but also prevention, innovation, data, research and quality of life.
The draft opinion of the European Economic and Social Council on the topic was reviewed, prepared by Assoc. Prof. Milena Angelova, Secretary General of BICA with the support of Dr. Siika Katsarova, member of the AICB National Council and President of the European Spa Tourism Organization and the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and SPA Tourism, and Mira Ganova, Executive Director of the Bulgarian Cluster for Digital Solutions and Innovations in Healthcare.
In this context, the Medical Cluster will work to establish a holistic model of development of Life Sciences, which includes medicine, biotechnology, genomics, pharmacy, research and technological infrastructure, digitalization, as well as policies for prevention, early diagnosis and access to innovative therapies. Emphasis will be placed on the role of scientific data, personalized medicine, the development of research infrastructure and coordination between the public sector, business, scientific communities and patient organizations.
Particular attention was paid to the concept of developing a strategy regarding "rare diseases", their importance in medical pathology and the need to open a "reference" center, managed jointly by the Medical Cluster and the Medical University of Varna, which, after coordination with its management, will be located at the Medical University of Varna.
The place and role of hybrid telemedicine and the possibility of active remote monitoring of patients with chronic heart failure were examined.
The association will also focus its efforts on creating a favorable environment for innovation, developing talents and young specialists, better integration of scientific achievements in clinical practice and active contribution to European policies in the field of healthcare and life sciences.
"Medical Cluster" declares its readiness to be an active participant in the dialogue on the future of the healthcare system in 2026, working for sustainable solutions, increasing competitiveness and improving health outcomes for society.
The possibility of future joint activities with the Bulgarian Cluster for Digital Solutions and Innovations in Healthcare was also discussed, as well as the possibilities for future membership in the Medical Cluster of the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and SPA Tourism Association.
