A study on the current situation in the biomedical technology and clinical engineering sector in Bulgaria--advances, trends and needs.

A survey of the clinical engineering sector in Bulgaria was carried out, within the context of the 1996 Phare Partnership Program, with the aim to provide a reflection of the current situation concerning the management of biomedical technology and investigate the relevant needs in hospitals. The survey was initiated by the Institute of Biomedical Technology (INBIT) in Patras, Greece, with the active support of national organizations, educational institutions and other parties that share involvement in the overall management of medical devices in Bulgaria. This paper summarizes the results of the survey, giving an insight into the situation in the field and providing the basis for a more thorough study on the Biomedical Technology and Clinical Engineering sectors in Bulgaria.