The State Reserve has been a crucial lifeline for communities facing water shortages and supporting vulnerable populations in social institutions. As the beginning of last year, it has distributed nearly 250,000 liters of water and 9 metric tons of canned foods to those in need, according to BNT.

The State Reserve maintains a diverse inventory of essential supplies, including water, food, medicines, fuels, and hospital equipment. These resources are strategically released not only during declared states of emergency but also in response to various crises and disasters.

Assen Asenov, chairman of the State Reserve and Wardime Stocks, emphasized the immediate usability of the provided aid. We have helped food – ready -to -use foods that people in need can use promptly. We have helped with hospital, household property, with medicines.We have also helped with cleaning funds.

Field Hospitals Deployed During COVID-19 pandemic

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the State Reserve played a pivotal role in bolstering the healthcare infrastructure by deploying three fully equipped field hospitals.

• Sofia: A field hospital was established to augment the city’s medical capacity.
• Varna: Another field hospital was set up to serve the coastal region.
• Plovdiv: A third field hospital was deployed to support the needs of this major city.

As Mr. Asenov explained,In Sofia,in Varna,in Plovdiv. These were fully equipped hospitals,starting with beds,through utensils,through medicines.

Among the hospital equipment in the reserve there are typewriters. The goal is to use if there is no electricity, employees explain. There are no candle stocks in the reserve.

Instead of candles, the reserve relies on generators to ensure continuous operation during power outages. As Mr. Asenov noted, We have generators, let’s say.I remember we have cases where we have provided such hospitals. This was indeed a life support so that the hospital can continue to function.

Sufficient Reserves Despite Budget Constraints

Despite operating with a limited budget, the State Reserve maintains that its current stockpiles are adequate to meet the essential needs of the population during times of crisis. The reserve also holds fuel reserves sufficient to sustain the population and economy for three months.

According to the agency, The state cannot take care of absolutely all the needs of individuals, but the basic things, what would be essential, what would be most vital for survival and normal, as far as possible, the existence of people in a crisis, I think it is indeed secured.

Staffing Challenges Due to Low Pay

One of the meaningful challenges faced by the State Reserve is maintaining adequate staffing levels due to relatively low salaries. This has led to a high turnover rate as trained personnel seek better-compensated positions elsewhere.

mr. Asenov acknowledged this issue, stating, We are doing a lot of work with a small personnel, but so far we are coping. The average salary at the agency is slightly lower than other agencies. Trained, learned people go to higher salaries.