MEDICO-GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF HEALTH CARE IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF ELIN PELIN AND GORNA MALINA, BULGARIA

Abstract

In the modern world, man has until recently forgotten that health is the most valuable gift he couldpossess. With the development of science and the advancement of technology in recent years, more and moreattention has been paid to the individual, to his personal characteristics, predisposition to certain diseases (hereditaryor not), or addictions. The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has seriously contributed and reminded man not only to takecare of his health but also to make efforts and help in protecting public health.Today, Bulgaria is witnessing not only the aging of the population but in some cases the almost completedepopulation of more and more settlements. Along with these problems, new ones arise that contribute to thedeterioration of the quality of life of the few remaining inhabitants of the territory. One of them is healthcare, orrather the lack of it. Many residents in different territories do not even have the opportunity for a medicalexamination. In addition, this lack of opportunity is observed in municipalities and settlements only 30 or 40 kmaway from the capital Sofia. Having adequate transport provision and the ability to transport people in emergenciesand with illnesses would make this partly acceptable. However, the reality is different. There are no medicalfacilities, doctors, dentists, or even pharmacies. The claim that the capital is close and the population has access tohealth infrastructure should not tolerate the lack of access to health care.The chosen topic is relevant because it is particularly important to focus public attention on the population andhealth care in the small municipalities and settlements that are close to the capital Sofia, but there are not enoughmedical personnel in them. Another reason for choosing the two municipalities and the connection with health careis their geographical location. Proximity to the capital Sofia is a leading factor for their economic-geographicaldevelopment, but the main interest is focused on their medical-geographical development and on how health care isprovided for the population in the territory.The provision of medical personnel is mandatory for all, not a privilege of certain territories. The problems with thepayment of medical personnel and their implementation in small settlements, which also results in the lack ofdoctors in certain parts of the country, are clearly visible, but they should not determine the lack of health care.