Bulgarian Society of Cardiology Marks 50th Birthday

Lyubomir Gigov

BTA Photo

Sofia,

18.04.2024 21:49

(BTA)

The Bulgarian Society of Cardiology marked its 50th birthday here on Thursday.

"Now is the time for the EU to pay serious attention to cardiovascular diseases," former Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and former EU Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Mariya Gabriel said at the celebration. "I do believe that the next European Commission will take up this task because work over the last five years has been focused on combating cancer," she added. "We cannot possibly rise to the demographic challenge unless we reduce the mortality rate. I am glad that Horizon Europe has funding for combating cardiovascular diseases, and my greatest pride is that the Bulgarian Society of Cardiology is turning into a motor force for putting this subject on the EU agenda," Gabriel said, referring to the EU's framework programme for research and innovation for 2021-2027. She stressed the need for coordinated efforts and support. "Cardiologists should not be left on their own," the former Deputy PM said, noting the lack of a National Plan for Combating Cardiovascular Diseases in Bulgaria.

Bulgarian Society of Cardiology President Vasil Traykov told BTA that the public should change its attitudes to cardiovascular diseases. In his words, there is already institutional support for the implementation of the National Cardiovascular Health Plan. Asked whether young doctors show interest in specializing in cardiology, Assoc. Prof. Traykov said that young doctors are interested in cardiology because its opens up major medical career opportunities.

Caretaker Health Minister Galya Kondeva congratulated the cardiologists attending the ceremony and pointed out that their work contributes daily to the advancement of cardiology and to the assertion of the prestige of this medical specialty and of all who practise it.

/КК/