site.btaPresident Radev Attends Ceremony Marking 145 Years of Bulgarian Red Cross

“For its 145 years of development, the Bulgarian Red Cross (BRC) has established itself not only as the largest humanitarian organization in the country, but also as a well-structured and efficient institution with clear goals. With an unwavering readiness to fulfil its humanitarian mission in support of the most vulnerable,” said President Rumen Radev on Wednesday during the ceremony marking 145 years since the establishment of the Bulgarian Red Cross. The celebration is being held under the patronage of the head of State.

“Both as commander of the Air Force and as President, I have been in the areas of more than one disaster and the BRC teams have always been among the first responders,” Radev said, adding that the BRC has also established itself as a pillar of fundamental social values.

Chairman of the Bulgarian Red Cross Acad. Hristo Grigorov presented President Rumen Radev and his chef de cabinet Galab Donev with a plaque of honour of the organisation and a commemorative sign.

The ceremony was attended by Ombudsman Diana Kovacheva, BTA Director General Kiril Valchev and the President's wife, Desislava Radeva.

The BRC has made a significant contribution to the formation and first steps of the Bulgarian public health system. The organization has built hospitals in Sofia, Pleven, Haskovo, Burgas, and other settlement, and managed for more than 40 years the Red Cross Hospital, which today is one of the most modern and prestigious state medical institutions - Pirogov Hospital, which opened the first school for sisters of mercy in 1900.