Bulgaria has activated the EU civil protection mechanism

Bulgaria has activated the EU civil protection mechanism, Bulgaria’s the Ministry of Health said on November 10.

Activating the mechanism gives us additional security in the fight to control the epidemic.

Under this mechanism, Bulgaria can receive not only medical oxygen (in the event of increased consumption, which cannot be met by the production capacity of Bulgaria), but also equipment for oxygen treatment of the type High flow nasal cannula (HFNC); invasive intervention respirators; resuscitation beds for intensive care units; patient monitors; medical professionals to assist in the treatment of COVID patients.

"Bulgaria activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism yesterday due to the difficult situation in the country related to COVID-19. The Bulgarian authorities requested medical devices and equipment, including a significant number of breathing apparatus, patient monitors, intensive care beds. What we are doing now is that we have contacted all the Member States through our rapid response centre to see if any of them is able to provide the requested equipment and supplies. At the same time, we are reviewing the available stocks of our reserve, which is located in several countries, EC spokesman Balazs Ujvari said.

The purpose of activating the mechanism is to ensure that in the event of a sharp deterioration of the pandemic situation, the necessary resources can be delivered immediately.

So far, our medical professionals are coping with the epidemic wave and there is no need to supply additional equipment, the health ministry said. If necessary, the EC will be ready to provide us with immediate assistance. Activating the mechanism gives us additional security in the fight to control the epidemic, the ministry said.