Over Half of Bulgaria's Doctors and Nearly Half of Nurses Are Over 55

Bulgaria faces a critical demographic challenge within its healthcare sector, with a significant portion of its medical professionals nearing retirement age. Data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI) reveals that as of the end of 2025, more than half of the country's doctors are over 55 years old.

Specifically, 16,607 out of a total of 30,409 doctors fall into this age bracket. This statistic points to a substantial aging workforce, raising concerns about future staffing levels and the continuity of medical services.

The trend is mirrored among nurses, where nearly half of the nursing staff are also over the age of 55. This widespread aging across key medical professions suggests a looming crisis in healthcare provision if not addressed proactively.

The NSI figures underscore the urgent need for policies aimed at attracting and retaining younger medical professionals, as well as potentially exploring avenues for international recruitment to ensure the long-term sustainability of Bulgaria's healthcare system.