site.btaTransport Minister Announces Plovdiv as Future Airborne Medical Services Hub

Plovdiv has become a crucial part of the emergency air medical system with the opening of the 10th hospital heliport in the country, Minister of Transport and Communication Georgi Gvozdeykov said during the heliport opening at Plovdiv's St. George University Hospital on Friday. He added that one of the six operational bases of the emergency air medical system, which will cover a large part of southern Bulgaria, will be built in the city.

"The European Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) system is gradually becoming more effective. The improved medical services provided by the new hospital heliport will positively impact the quality of life and investment in the region," Gvozdeykov added.

Besides Plovdiv, there are hospital heliports that meet HEMS standards in Sofia, Varna, Panagyurishte, Ruse, Veliko Tarnovo, Montana, and on the Struma highway near the Zheleznitsa tunnel. Sofia has three sites, while the other cities each have one.

The Minister officially handed over the registration documents to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of St. George University Hospital, Ivan Sokolov. The event was also attended by Deputy Health Minister Petko Stefanovski, Plovdiv Mayor Kostadin Dimitrov, Plovdiv Regional Governor Hristina Yancheva, Director General of the Civil Aviation Administration Anelia Marinova, and Bulgaria Heli Med Service's management.