62 Inclusion of Ukrainian migrant medical professionals in the Bulgarian health system’s

Abstract EP2.2, e-Poster Terminal 2, September 3, 2025, 13:05 - 14:00 Staff shortages in Bulgaria’s health system make it difficult to provide medical care that meets the needs of migrants. Depending on their educational status, they can be included in various areas of healthcare according to the country’s legislation. In Bulgaria, 72,000 Ukrainians have been registered with temporary protection. Of these, 83% were employed in various occupations, including doctors, nurses, paramedics, and dentists.The aim of the study was to analyze the conditions in Bulgaria that create the opportunity for migrants from Ukraine with medical education to join the healthcare system. An interview was conducted with physicians who applied for recognition of acquired higher education, according to Regulation on the state requirements for recognition of acquired higher education and completed periods of training in foreign higher education institutions. Results Since the end of 2022, the Medical University of Pleven has been certifying the educational documents of 32 medical professionals from Ukraine. The doctors have one or two specialties such as pediatrics, neonatology, pediatric surgery, neurology, ophthalmology, internal medicine. Due to the linguistic proximity, from the first year of their stay in the country they start working in healthcare facilities in Northern Bulgaria and the Black Sea cities. They provide assistance to their countrymen in support places. During the period of their preparation for obtaining Bulgarian documents for medical education and a recognized specialty, they are included in the healthcare system in lower positions. Our study showed that they have good skills and good training received in Ukraine. Conclusion In Bulgaria, conditions have been created for equal access to the labor market of Ukrainian migrants with medical education and their inclusion in team medical activities.