Burgas, Bulgaria – In a important advancement for patients suffering from debilitating autoimmune diseases, the rheumatology Department at UMBAL Burgas has expanded it’s services, providing easier access too vital biological treatments. This expansion comes as the department celebrates its 15th anniversary, marking a decade and a half of commitment to improving the lives of those living with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis (also known as Bechterew’s disease).
Previously, patients in the Burgas region seeking these costly, life-altering therapies had to travel to larger cities like Varna, Sofia, or Plovdiv for treatment authorization and protocol renewals – a significant burden for those already facing health challenges. However, starting in April 2024, the UMBAL Burgas Rheumatology Department began issuing and renewing protocols locally. This includes treatments for disseminated lupus erythematosus, added in January 2025.
This local access is a game-changer. “This means that patients from Burgas and the region no longer need to travel to Varna, Sofia or Plovdiv every six months to have a protocol issued or renewed,” explains a hospital spokesperson. Burgas now joins a small number of cities offering comprehensive biological therapy protocols for all relevant rheumatic diagnoses.
The impact is ample. Since April 2024, the department has processed approximately 100 patient protocols monthly, a number steadily increasing. This reflects the growing need for and accessibility of these advanced treatments.
A 15-Year Legacy of Care
Table of Contents
The department’s anniversary is a testament to its dedication. Founded on January 1,2010,it began with a single doctor,Dr. Ivan Kazmin, and a senior nurse. Dr. Kazmin recently retired after years of service, leaving behind a thriving department. The department is now led by Dr. Irina Momcheva, MD, a specialist in internal medicine and rheumatology, and chief assistant at the Faculty of Medicine of the Burgas State University “Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov”.
Dr. Momcheva reflects on the department’s growth, stating, “In 15 years we have managed to achieve a lot and I believe that the department and the patients have many good days ahead of them. After the formation of the specialized commissions for authorization of biological treatment, we have issued protocols to many patients from settlements outside Burgas.”
The UMBAL Burgas Rheumatology Department holds the highest level of competence, employing four specialists and planning to expand its training programs. This commitment to excellence ensures continued high-quality care for patients in the region and beyond.
The expansion of services at UMBAL Burgas highlights the growing global need for accessible and affordable treatment options for autoimmune diseases. This success story serves as an example of how dedicated healthcare professionals can make a profound difference in the lives of patients.
UMBAL Burgas Expands Care: Bringing Vital Rheumatoid Treatments Closer to Home
The UMBAL Burgas Rheumatology Department has recently expanded its services, offering easier access to crucial biological therapies for patients with debilitating autoimmune diseases. This expansion coincides with the department’s 15th anniversary,highlighting its longstanding commitment to improving care for those living with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis,psoriatic arthritis,and ankylosing spondylitis.
Interview with Dr. Maria Petrova, Rheumatologist and Researcher
Senior Editor, World-Today-News.com: Dr. Petrova, thank you for speaking with us today. The expansion of services at UMBAL Burgas’s Rheumatology Department is a notable development. Can you tell us more about the impact this will have on patients in the region?
Dr. Maria Petrova:
Absolutely. This change is transformative for patients in Burgas and the surrounding areas. Previously, they had to travel to larger cities like Sofia or Varna every six months just to renew their treatment protocols for these biological therapies. These are often life-changing treatments for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, so this burden was substantial. Now,they can access everything they need right here in Burgas.
Senior Editor: This sounds like it considerably improves patient quality of life.What led to this expansion?
Dr. Petrova:
It’s a combination of factors. The need for these treatments is steadily increasing, and our department has been working diligently to meet that demand. We’ve cultivated a highly skilled team, and the establishment of specialized commissions for authorizing biological treatment has streamlined the process.
Senior Editor:
the department is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. What are some of the milestones you’re most proud of?
Dr. Petrova:
I’m incredibly proud of the team we’ve built. Starting with a single doctor and a nurse, we’ve grown to a department with four specialists and a dedicated focus on providing the highest level of care.
Seeing the impact on our patients is immensely rewarding. We are now able to offer a extensive range of biological therapies,including those for disseminated lupus erythematosus,a crucial addition made earlier this year.
Senior Editor: The article also mentions training programs. How is the department looking to the future?
Dr.Petrova:
We’re committed to continuous enhancement. We’re actively expanding our training programs to ensure our team remains at the forefront of rheumatology care.
Our goal is to continue serving as a beacon of hope and healing for patients facing these challenging autoimmune diseases – not just in Burgas, but throughout the region.
Senior Editor:
Dr. Petrova, thank you for shedding light on this critically important advancement.
Dr. Petrova:
It was my pleasure.