Topical Information

Better coordination between the education, social and healthcare systems, more effective use of human and financial resources, and stronger integration of policies for children and vulnerable groups were among the key themes discussed during the third panel of the National Meeting of Local and Central Executive Authorities.

The panel, entitled “Local Integration of Policies for Children, Vulnerable Groups and Access to Healthcare”, brought together representatives of local government and the Ministers of Education and Science, Labour and Social Policy, and Health to discuss some of the most sensitive issues facing society today. The discussion was moderated by Donka Mihaylova, Deputy Chair of the Managing Board of the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria (NAMRB) and Mayor of Troyan Municipality.

“It is time to talk about what matters most – caring for people.”

In her opening remarks, Ms Mihaylova stressed that the challenges facing children, older people and vulnerable groups cannot be addressed through isolated sectoral policies. Instead, education, social policy and healthcare must operate in a coordinated manner, with a shared focus on citizens’ needs.

According to NAMRB, there is a need to develop mechanisms that enable the education, healthcare and social services systems to exchange information and work together in addressing specific challenges, rather than requiring citizens to seek solutions separately from each institution.

Ms Mihaylova also drew attention to the issue of fixed-term mandates in the governance of educational institutions.

Another important topic raised during the discussion was the growing shortage of professionals across all three sectors. She emphasised the need for a comprehensive assessment of actual needs and opportunities for more flexible use of existing human resources.

The discussion also addressed the possibility of introducing more flexible arrangements for sharing specialist expertise across different systems and services.

Participants further examined the need for more effective management of financial resources and for identifying solutions that would improve service delivery at the local level.

In her concluding remarks, Ms Mihaylova reaffirmed municipalities’ readiness to actively participate in the modernisation of public systems and in the search for sustainable solutions for citizens.

“We, the municipalities, are ready to assume our share of responsibility. We will be a committed partner, but also an objective and constructive voice.”

The Deputy Chair of NAMRB emphasised that the shared objective of both central and local government should be to ensure quality education for children, dignified care for older people, and effective support for all those in need.

“We must create a system in which education, healthcare and social services communicate with one another, rather than expecting citizens to communicate separately with each of them.”

Concluding the discussion, Ms Mihaylova noted that both central and local authorities face common challenges and share a common responsibility.

“We have common concerns and common work ahead of us.”

She also thanked the participating ministers for their engagement in the discussion and for their commitment to strengthening cooperation with local authorities.