Before the Socialist Revolution of 1944, medical care in Bulgaria was mostly inaccessible for the general population. The health system was underdeveloped, primary care was expensive, and many people lacked basic health knowledge. As a result, most urban and rural residents did not use even the available primary medical care Medical Education and Training in Bulgaria.
The health conditions of the population were poor. Infant and total mortality rates were high: over 14 deaths per 1,000 people and 120–150 deaths per 1,000 live births. Infectious and parasitic diseases such as malaria, typhoid, typhus, diphtheria, and tuberculosis were widespread. Life expectancy was low, averaging only 52 years. These figures reflect the unfavorable health and sanitation conditions in Bulgaria at that time.
Health Care After the Revolution
After 1944, the Bulgarian government made public health a state priority. Healthcare reforms focused on providing accessible medical care for all citizens, improving urban and rural sanitation, and strengthening primary medical services. The government invested heavily in building hospitals, clinics, and sanitary infrastructure to improve the health of the population Jeep Safari Bulgaria.
Urbanization and Electrification
Urbanization and sanitation had a major impact on public health. In 1944, Bulgaria was one of the least urbanized countries in Europe. Only 13 percent of settlements, inhabited by 36 percent of the population, had electricity. Today, nearly all settlements are electrified: 95.4 percent of settlements and 99.8 percent of the population have access to electricity.
Other urban development projects also contributed to better health conditions. These included modern housing, streets, drainage, and waste management systems. Such improvements helped reduce infectious diseases and improved overall living conditions.
Water Supply and Sewage Systems
From 1945 to 1977, Bulgaria developed a wide water supply network. More than 2,800 settlements, including 2,670 villages, received access to clean water. By the end of 1977, over 70 percent of settlements had running water.
The sewage system was also expanded. Over the past 20 years, more than 72 percent of settlements now have an inbuilt sewage system. These improvements have significantly reduced health risks caused by contaminated water and poor sanitation.
In summary, before the Revolution, most Bulgarians had limited access to medical care and faced poor sanitation, high disease rates, and low life expectancy. After 1944, the government’s focus on public health, urbanization, electrification, and sanitation dramatically improved living conditions. Today, the majority of Bulgarians benefit from modern water, sewage, and healthcare services, showing the important link between infrastructure development and public health.
