SOFIA, Bulgaria – Deputy Prime Minister Grozdan Karadzhov announced in Parliament that Bulgaria is set to receive two additional medical helicopters by the end of March, bolstering the country’s emergency air medical services.
The first helicopter is scheduled to arrive between February 17 and 25, with the second expected within the following four to five weeks.
The procurement of these helicopters is part of Bulgaria’s ongoing efforts to enhance its air medical response capabilities, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach regions.
The move comes at a critical time, as the country has been working to modernize its emergency medical aviation services.
Current Helicopter to Undergo Maintenance
Karadzhov also confirmed that once the new helicopters arrive, the currently operational aircraft will be sent to Italy for maintenance at the Leonardo company’s base.
The decision follows a recent incident where the existing medical helicopter experienced an electronics issue, forcing an emergency landing.
The incident raised concerns about the reliability of the current fleet, but authorities have assured the public that safety remains a top priority.
Officials emphasized that the emergency landing was carried out successfully, with no injuries reported. However, the malfunction underscored the urgent need for additional aircraft to ensure uninterrupted emergency services.
Expanding Bulgaria’s Air Medical Fleet
Bulgaria has been making significant strides in improving its air medical services, particularly in light of past criticism regarding the country’s limited number of emergency helicopters.
The expansion of the fleet aims to enhance medical response times, especially in rural and mountainous areas where ground transportation may be insufficient in critical situations.
The government has been working closely with Leonardo, the Italian aerospace company, to secure state-of-the-art helicopters equipped with advanced medical technology.
These new additions are expected to significantly improve Bulgaria’s ability to provide life-saving medical assistance.
According to Karadzhov, the newly acquired helicopters will be strategically deployed to maximize coverage across the country.
Emergency medical teams have already begun training to ensure a seamless transition once the helicopters arrive.
Government’s Commitment to Emergency Medical Services
The arrival of the helicopters aligns with the government’s broader efforts to modernize Bulgaria’s healthcare infrastructure.
The Health Ministry has emphasized that investing in medical aviation is a crucial step in addressing the growing demand for rapid emergency response.
Medical experts have welcomed the addition of the new helicopters, noting that faster transportation of critically ill or injured patients can be the difference between life and death.
“With these new helicopters, we will be able to reach patients in need much faster, ensuring that they receive critical medical care without delay,” said a spokesperson for the Bulgarian Ministry of Health.
While the recent electronic malfunction raised some concerns, officials have reassured the public that the necessary safety checks will be carried out before the new helicopters enter service.
As Bulgaria awaits the arrival of its enhanced air medical fleet, authorities remain focused on ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency in emergency medical transportation.