Robotic-assisted surgery is reshaping the future of healthcare in Bulgaria, offering transformative benefits for both patients and medical professionals. At the forefront of this revolution is the da Vinci™ system, a groundbreaking technology that combines precision, innovation, and patient-focused outcomes. With its growing adoption across the country, the system is setting a new standard in surgical care, empowering surgeons and improving lives one procedure at a time.
- In Bulgaria, more and more hospitals have started purchasing robotic surgery systems, and many of your competitors have emerged. What makes the Da Vinci system different from the other systems that have appeared in the years following its introduction?
The Da Vinci system isn’t just a pioneer of robotic-assisted surgery, it’s a revolution that redefines what is possible in healthcare. For years, it has set the global gold standard in precision, reliability, and innovation, helping surgeons achieve life-changing outcomes for patients around the world. Its advanced technology, refined through decades of expertise and supported by thousands of successful procedures, isn’t just about machines, it’s about restoring hope and improving lives.
What truly sets SOFMEDICA apart is the commitment we bring to every partner we work with. We don’t stop at delivering cutting-edge technology; that’s where our real work begins. We stand alongside surgeons, hospitals, and entire teams to help them build the most effective and sustainable robotic surgery programs. We don’t focus on the “wedding”. We care about the “marriage.”
Our ecosystem is more than just training and technical expertise; it’s a commitment. A commitment to enable the best outcomes, to transform lives, and to bring healthcare forward. Because at the heart of every procedure isn’t just innovation, it’s a patient, a family, and a future. That’s what drives us. From tailored training that empowers surgeons to operate with confidence, to long-term support that ensures success every step of the way, we are there, at every procedure, at every milestone and with one patient at a time.
- During the 11th annual “Capital” conference, you presented data on how many Bulgarians have undergone surgery using your systems. How many are they? What are the advantages of robot-assisted surgery, and how much faster do patients recover?
Currently, there are 12 Da Vinci robotic programs in Bulgaria, 4 in the public sector and 8 in the private sector. In 2024, there have been over 2.900 patients treated with this transformative technology in Bulgaria, and this number continues to grow as more hospitals adopt robotic-assisted surgery.
The advantages of Da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery are clear and life-changing. For patients, it means smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, and significantly lower risks of complications compared to traditional open surgery. This translates to faster recovery times, patients typically leave the hospital in a matter of days instead of weeks, and they can resume their normal lives much sooner.
For surgeons, the system offers unparalleled precision, enhanced 3D visualization, and greater control over delicate procedures, enabling them to perform complex surgeries with confidence and accuracy. This not only improves clinical outcomes but also reduces physical strain on surgeons, making their work more efficient and sustainable over the long term.
At SOFMEDICA, we are proud to be part of this transformation, helping Bulgarian hospitals and surgeons bring state-of-the-art technology to their patients. Robotic-assisted surgery is not just about technology; it’s about providing people with better care, faster recovery, and a chance to get back to their families and their lives sooner. That’s the true value of what we bring to healthcare in Bulgaria.
- Do many young doctors undergo training to work with the Da Vinci system? Is there significant interest in the technology? How many doctors in Bulgaria have you trained, and how many currently operate with the robot?
In 2024 alone, we trained 16 surgeons on the Da Vinci system—8 at the basic level and 8 at the advanced level. What’s particularly encouraging is that the majority of these newly trained professionals are young surgeons, demonstrating a strong and growing interest in robotic-assisted surgery among the next generation of medical specialists.
Currently, there are 59 surgeons actively operating with the Da Vinci system in Bulgaria. This number reflects not only the technology’s acceptance but also its pivotal role in shaping the future of surgical care in the country.
We believe that training is the foundation for success. That’s why we invest heavily in comprehensive educational programs that empower surgeons—both young and experienced—to master this groundbreaking technology. By doing so, we ensure that patients across Bulgaria have access to world-class care performed with precision, confidence, and innovation.
- Are there still obstacles in Bulgaria from the NHIF (National Health Insurance Fund) regarding reimbursement for robotic surgeries, or is this a thing of the past?
We are confident that with consistent collaboration between healthcare stakeholders, the National Health Insurance Fund, and policymakers, robotic surgery will remain a reimbursed and accessible option for Bulgarian patients. The benefits of robotic-assisted surgery, improved clinical outcomes, shorter recovery times, and long-term cost-efficiency, make it a vital investment in the healthcare system.
While challenges related to political dynamics might temporarily delay certain processes, we believe that a shared focus on patient needs, coupled with evidence-based advocacy, will overcome any remaining obstacles. SOFMEDICA remains committed to supporting these efforts and ensuring that Bulgarian patients continue to benefit from this life-changing technology.