The Ministry of Labour and Social Policy allocates an additional BGN 45 million under the Human Resources Development Operational Programme (OPHRD) in support of elderly people living alone and the disabled. From today, municipalities will be able to apply to receive funding for patronage care.

Under the projects, staff will be recruited for provision of services to deal with the emergency situation. Employees will supply food, medicines and essential products to people in need purchased with funds of the users. Users may also be assisted in paying household bills or requesting and receiving urgent administrative services. Municipal staff will be provided with personal protective equipment and disinfectants.

All 156 municipalities already implementing patronage care projects and providing integrated domestic health and social services must apply for additional agreement on the amount set out in the application terms and conditions and the minimum number of users. The other municipalities, as well as the districts of Sofia Municipality, will be able to apply independently or in partnership.