With over 650,000 BGN donated by the America for Bulgaria Foundation, the children’s department of the multiprofile hospital for active treatment in Dobrich has been completely renovated. The project was implemented by another foundation, “For the Good,” which has upgraded the third pediatrics department in the country, following those in Lovech and Veliko Tarnovo. The department was inaugurated today by the president of America for Bulgaria, Nancy Schiller, and the chairwoman of the “For the Good” Foundation, Nadezhda Rangelova.
“The ‘Firefly’ project should become a National Program for Improving the Environment in Children’s Departments,” said Nadezhda Rangelova. “Pediatrics in Bulgaria is in deep crisis, and the change needs to start immediately. Another 12 departments have applied under the ‘Firefly’ project, and the doctors there want to work in modern and functional pediatric units. We believe that this can happen only when the state steps into its role and provides funding for renovations, and we are ready to offer our expertise in support of this project. According to preliminary estimates, the renovation of a single children’s department costs an average of 500,000 BGN. With a budget of 15 million BGN, departments in all regional hospitals can be completely transformed,” added Nadezhda Rangelova, chairwoman of the “For the Good” Foundation.
“The ‘For the Good’ Foundation contributed to creating a model to be emulated, and we hope it will receive the necessary support to become a national standard,” said Nancy Schiller, president of the America for Bulgaria Foundation, during the opening. “The children of Bulgaria deserve this.”
After the renovation, the hospital in Dobrich now features a modern department that meets European standards—designed and equipped to be as convenient as possible for the medical staff, young patients, and their parents. The facility spans a total of 1,000 square meters and includes 22 patient beds and 5 intensive care beds. Annually, approximately 2,000 children will be treated in this department.
“We believe that the state will embrace this idea and we will make this change together. If all children’s departments in state and municipal hospitals are fully renovated, local communities will respond—there will be an increased willingness from businesses to donate funds for things we are used to calling ‘luxuries,’ but which are standard in the Western world,” added Nadezhda Rangelova from the “For the Good” Foundation.
“I have always known how a children’s department should look, but I never imagined that I would see it,” noted Dr. Yovev, the head of the children’s department. According to him, great attention has been paid to the comfort and conveniences for mothers, who have facilities for sleeping and preparing food, as well as relaxation areas outside the hospital rooms.
“The highlight of the fundraising campaign for the ‘Firefly’ project in Dobrich was the gesture of a first-grade child from Dimitur Talev Primary School, who donated all of their savings for this cause,” said Georgi Zhelyazkov, director of Dobrich MBAL. According to him, the transformation of the children’s department is a huge step towards achieving the necessary level of care that Bulgarian children deserve. Dr. Zhelyazkov congratulated all partners in the project for their successful work and noted that this sunny day is a celebration for the hospital and the city.
What Has Changed?
The department is divided into three sectors – for infants, for young children, and for adolescents.
The intensive care sector has been completely restructured, now allowing direct access and observation from the doctors’ office.
The rooms feature spaces for personal belongings, kitchenettes, and fold-out chairs for accompanying family members.
A play area has been created for the children admitted to the department.
A trademark of “For the Good” is the walls painted with elements characteristic of the region, which provide a sense of comfort and tranquility.
The flooring features a special antibacterial coating that meets medical standards. All bathrooms and sanitary facilities in the department have been renovated.
The staff areas have been updated and functionally altered to maximize convenience for the doctors.
The “Firefly” project in Dobrich is yet another step in the mission of the “For the Good” Foundation to improve the environment in children’s hospital departments in Bulgaria, transforming them into spaces where children can heal in comfort and safety, while medical teams work under the best possible conditions.
