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We have set high criteria in the public procurement of medical helicopters to protect the public interest, they may have put a price burden on the bid, but they can be adjusted.

Studies were naturally made.

The helicopters are due to be delivered in 2026, with the first due to arrive by December 2023, when the Growing Regions OP ends.

By mid-January, the public tender for the helicopter rental will be completed. 

This is what Georgi Gvozdeikov, executive director of the state company HEMS, told "Your Day".

According to him, the public order for medical helicopters was terminated because only one participant appeared, who gave an offer that exceeded the budget.

He is categorical that there will be helicopters.

"Under the PPA, there is a decision to terminate the order. Within 10 days, the participant can appeal. After that, the order can be published again after optimization of the problematic aspects," he explained.

And he added that BGN 3 million is needed to rent one helicopter.

"Infrastructure has to be built in most of the hospitals. Everything starts from scratch, the project started this year. Private hospitals have to build their own infrastructure. We currently have 4 pilots, we are starting a training program", stressed Gvozdeikov.

Georgi Gvozdeikov: Within 5-10 years we have to catch up with the emergency aid standard in Europe

He described as "complete absurdity" the claim that it is deliberately made impossible to buy medical helicopters with this order and called it political PR.

According to Gvozdeikov, Eng. Bonovski's expertise is not at the required level.

"There was an opportunity for the helicopter project to start a long time ago. Therefore, it is ridiculous to throw empty accusations when you are not familiar with the situation. A team is working to make things happen. There is no need for intrigue and political talk on the subject," Gvozdeikov pointed out.