The Council of Ministers made a significant reversal in its decision-making process concerning the construction of a private hospital, Mom and Me, in Sofia. This change was announced by the government's press service, highlighting the swift response to the public outcry and backlash faced by the initial decision. Caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev took a firm stance by ordering the annulment of the decision aimed at building a private children's hospital, which sparked controversy and criticism from various sectors, including governmental bodies, political parties, and NGOs.
President Rumen Radev weighed in on the matter, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing healthcare, particularly children's healthcare, as a fundamental societal need rather than as a profit-driven enterprise. The President's statement underlined the broader societal ramifications of decisions related to healthcare infrastructure and services. In response to the public scrutiny, Glavchev expressed his intent to hold accountable those responsible for submitting the decision for cabinet discussion, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in governmental processes.
Meanwhile, the principal investor behind the private hospital project, Commercial League, announced its decision to discontinue the construction of a pediatric ward and alter the hospital's prospective name. The investor's retreat from the project showcased the impact of public opinion and governmental decision-making on private sector initiatives in the healthcare domain. The series of events surrounding the reversal of the hospital construction decision shed light on the intricate interplay between public interests, governmental responsibilities, and private sector investments in the healthcare sector.