site.btaCabinet Adopts 2024 - 2028 National Programme for Promotion of Organ Donation, Support for Transplants in Bulgaria

The Council of Ministers adopted the 2024 - 2028 national programme for promotion of organ donation and support for transplants in Bulgaria on Wednesday, the Government Information Service said.

The programme aims to ensure the sustainability of transplant policies and build on the results of the 2019-2023 programme. Activities related to the improvement of the organizational model of organ, tissue, and cell donation and transplantation in Bulgaria will be further pursued. The proposed measures are aimed at increasing the number of transplants and improving the quality of life for patients in need of a transplant and transplant survivors.

The procedures for pre-transplant evaluation of potential donors are to be updated. The programme also envisages the development of mechanisms to facilitate the identification of organ donors in Bulgaria and cross-border organ exchange in Europe. Awareness-raising campaigns on organ, tissue, and cell donation will be organized to facilitate communication and exchange of best practices, the GIS added. Trainings of medical professionals and transplant coordinators from medical institutions are also envisaged, along with meetings with representatives at all levels of the donation and transplant coordination network. International cooperation and exchange of information and experience will be fostered, including with Bulgaria's participation in international organizations.