Official position of the Health investment company for Children's Hospital

The project for the construction of the National Multiprofile Children's Hospital is in an advanced stage of preparation. The work is being carried out in stages and in full compliance with current regulations. Due to the dissemination of false and misleading claims in the public sphere, we consider it necessary to provide objective and verifiable information regarding the actual status of the project.

Currently, the project is in the key stage of designing. A market research study is being conducted to collect up-to-date data for assessing the value of individual project elements according to real market conditions.

Project Value and Scope The estimated value of the project is €382 million. This amount includes the construction of the hospital building, the delivery and installation of highly specialized medical equipment, over 450 hospital beds, and structures for day and outpatient care.

Particular attention should be paid to the day hospital – a new model of healthcare that has not yet been introduced in pediatric practice in Bulgaria. It will allow for short-term treatment and rehabilitation of children without the need for an overnight stay. This will provide more flexible and gentle care for young patients, reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections, relieve families, and allow for more efficient use of health resources.

Expert Assessment vs. Political Interpretations The valuation was prepared by the international consulting team IDOM, commissioned by the European Investment Bank (EIB). It is based on functional and medical analysis, rather than a political or administrative decision. The claim stated in the public space regarding a "budget of 1 billion BGN" for construction alone is not based on any official document and creates artificial and misleading suggestions.

The contract with the EIB was signed in 2023 during the mandate of Acad. Nikolay Denkov as Prime Minister and Assen Vassilev as Minister of Finance. Another fact that is conveniently omitted: the majority of the current Board of Directors of HICCH was appointed precisely during the period of government by the same political force that today openly attacks the project. If they do not believe today in the structure they created themselves, this is a political issue, not an expert one.

Transparency and Accountability HICCH carries out its activities entirely within the law, with accountability and expertise. All future phases, including the awarding of public procurements, will be conducted under the Public Procurement Act – electronically, transparently, and traceably. The project is monitored by a Public Council, including representatives of the medical community, patient organizations, and the civil sector.

The Health Investment Company for Children's Hospital is a specialized structure with a limited mandate – to manage and implement a specific public investment project. We do not participate in political debates and do not take sides. We report results, actions, and documents, not assumptions.

Conclusion The procedure is transparent. Information on progress is publicly available and will continue to be shared with the media, institutions, and citizens.

The construction of the National Children's Hospital is essential for the future of pediatric healthcare in Bulgaria. It must be implemented responsibly, sustainably, and in accordance with the real needs of children – with efficient organization, modern infrastructure, and clear responsibility.

 

Respectfully,

Desislava Malinova

Acting Director of "Health Investment Company for Children's Hospital"

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