Sofia, Bulgaria, celebrates the launch of its first National Pediatric Hospital
In a major step towards improving pediatric care, Bulgaria has officially launched the project to develop the country’s first National Pediatric Hospital (NPH) in the capital city of Sofia. This landmark project, in line with Bulgaria’s National Health Strategy 2030, aims to revolutionize access to pediatric care, address disparities and meet the specific needs of children and adolescents across the country.
Sofia, known for its comprehensive healthcare infrastructure and the highest concentration of level three hospitals in Bulgaria, was chosen as the perfect location for NPH. This strategic initiative marks an important milestone in the development of Bulgarian healthcare and promises quality and affordable services for Bulgaria’s youngest citizens.
NPH is not a mere addition to the existing healthcare facilities in Sofia, but a strategic development aimed at providing holistic and specialized pediatric care. It will be a multidisciplinary, tertiary level university hospital with all pediatric specialties under one roof, providing comprehensive services to children from 0 to 17 years inclusive. By centralizing pediatric specialties and resources, NPH will serve as an important resource center and consultant for other medical institutions throughout Bulgaria. This will significantly improve the medical training and specialization of health care professionals in Bulgaria.
The hospital is expected to have approximately 400 beds and offer a wide range of services, including diagnosis and treatment of diseases, rehabilitation, emergency care and follow-up care. Although neonatology will be included, maternity services will continue at other hospitals. During the first few years, NPH will maintain some pediatric services at existing hospitals in Sofia to ensure a smooth transition and continued access to specialized care.
IDOM is playing a key role in this ambitious project, leading the planning activities necessary to establish NPH in Sofia. In particular, IDOM is responsible for defining the NPH capacity plan, identifying the necessary human resources and optimal service models to prioritize efficiency and patient safety. IDOM will also prepare the hospital’s functional program, defining functional units and departments, and will develop the detailed planning of space and equipment necessary to ensure a design adaptable to future needs and advances in pediatric care. Regarding the equipment plan, IDOM will define the technological and medical needs, ensuring compliance with local and international standards.
In addition, IDOM will organize visits to leading pediatric hospitals in Spain to incorporate best practices into NPH’s functional program and equipment plan.
With a clear strategic vision and commitment to the future of children’s healthcare in Bulgaria, the establishment of the first National Children’s Hospital in Sofia promises to mark a turning point in pediatric care in the country, ensuring a brighter future for Bulgarian children.
