Bulgaria Opens Pandora’s Box on Elder Care

The Bulgarian government has finally “found the courage to open Pandora’s Box,” said Minister of Labour and Social Policy Borislav Gutsanov during a parliamentary committee meeting on Wednesday. His remarks followed recent inspections of elderly care homes and hospices in Yagoda and Govedartsi, which uncovered severe neglect and abuse, CE Report quotes BTA

For years, oversight has been limited due to the private status of many such facilities. However, a new wave of inspections—supported by the Prime Minister and multiple state institutions—has triggered a national response. Gutsanov called the findings “heartbreaking,” describing the facilities as having “lost their human face.”

Legal changes are underway to criminalize the operation of unlicensed social and healthcare services, according to Petya Lazarova of the Justice Ministry. The draft legislation is expected within two weeks.

So far, over 120 elderly residents have been evacuated from unsafe conditions in several locations, with ongoing efforts involving the Interior Ministry and local hospitals. The Ministry of Labour and Social Policy is assessing long-term solutions, including expanding state supervision and reorganizing public facilities.

Yordanka Dineva, head of the Medical Supervision Agency, confirmed nearly 80 inspections and reported serious health issues and signs of abuse in the homes, particularly in Govedartsi.

Authorities are coordinating with municipal leaders to ensure proper care for affected residents as Bulgaria braces for the challenges of an aging population.