Health minister Katya Ivkova says helping young nurses and midwives build good careers in Bulgaria is a priority for her ministry. She told graduates in Veliko Tarnovo that students of nursing and midwifery at the Medical University of Varna had received their diplomas.

The ceremony took place at the Revival and Constituent Assembly Museum. "We are doing everything we can to give you, our young staff, the conditions to work in the health system and a secure professional future in Bulgaria," Ivkova said.

She congratulated the graduates on choosing jobs that call for knowledge, responsibility and compassion. The minister said nurses and midwives help patients to be treated and recover, and stay by their side with care and support in the hardest moments. Ivkova thanked nurses and midwives for their daily dedication, and the teachers and university leaders for their work. She called on the graduates to keep building their knowledge and skills.

The ministry will work on the careers of young staff and on keeping them in Bulgaria, the minister said, and will keep up a steady dialogue with the Bulgarian Association of Health Care Professionals. She said the ministry can also help share knowledge, experience and good practice. Ivkova congratulated the Medical University of Varna on its active international co-operation.

Veliko Tarnovo regional governor Marin Bogomilov also spoke to the graduates. He said choosing this job means choosing a mission and a calling. It takes solid knowledge and practical skills, he said, but also compassion, patience, devotion and a big heart. Bogomilov said he is sure the young specialists will bring energy, care and professionalism to hospitals, maternity wards, health clinics and care homes.

The university's whole leadership attended, including rector Prof Dr Dimitar Raykov. Veliko Tarnovo deputy mayor Marinela Tsoneva and municipal council chair Ventsislav Spirdonov were also there. The graduates took an oath to practise their profession with humanity, responsibility and devotion to the patient.

A few days ago, a ceremony was also held in Shumen for graduates of the Varna university's "Prof Dr Paraskev Stoyanov" branch. This year 25 nurses and 21 midwives graduated there. They also took the oath.