site.btaHelipad for Air Ambulances Unveiled at Montana State Hospital

A helipad for air ambulances was opened at the Montana State Hospital by Deputy Health Minister Petko Stefanovski and Hospital Director Tony Todorov.

An air ambulance landed at the site for the opening, with the commander of the machine, Velin Andreev, noting that the helicopter can transport a patient from the Montana Hospital to healthcare establishments in Sofia in 18 minutes, and maximum 25 minutes in bad weather conditions.

Todorov said that the site was built under a programme of the Health Ministry, with a budget worth BGN 160,000. "This is an invaluable life-saving asset. It is not only for the people of the Montana Region, but also for the entire Northwestern Region of the country", said Todorov.

Stefanovski noted that this is the second helipad in the whole of Northern Bulgaria, the first having been unveiled in April in Veliko Tarnovo. “We currently cover the entire Northwest Region. The ministry's effort foresees that every Bulgarian citizen has access to helicopter rescue", he added.

Montana Mayor Zlatko Zhivkov also attended the opening, saying that it is an exceptional day for Montana, as air transport of patients from the town to the capital can now be provided. "Besides a geographic, economic and sports centre, Montana is also a medical centre in the Northwest of Bulgaria. We have excellent doctors and medical staff", praised Zhivkov.