The University Multi-profile Hospital for Active Treatment “Kanev” in Ruse is the oldest civilian hospital in Bulgaria with over 160 years of tradition in medicine. Founded in 1865, it was established on the initiative of the Turkish reformer Midhat Pasha as part of the modernization reforms of the Ottoman Empire. Since then, the hospital has continuously developed, incorporating innovative medical practices and technologies, and establishing its reputation as a leading healthcare institution in the country.
Foundation and Early Years
The first civilian hospital in the country was built in Ruschuk (now Ruse) with a capacity of 40 beds. In its early years, it primarily served to treat poor citizens and immigrants, and medical care was provided by military doctors. In 1878, after the Liberation, the hospital came under the management of the Bulgarian state and was granted the status of a first-class hospital. In the following years, the expansion of the building facilities and equipment began.
Development in the 20th century
At the beginning of the 20th century, the hospital underwent significant modernization. In 1900, a new hospital complex was built in the French model, and in the following years, specialized departments in internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, and radiology were established. Between the two world wars, the hospital solidified its leading role in the region and expanded its medical services.
After World War II, the hospital experienced significant growth. In 1945, a separate pediatric department was opened, and in the 1950s, new buildings were constructed and modern diagnostic and therapeutic methods were introduced. By the 1970s, the hospital was one of the leading ones in the country, with a large number of specialized departments and highly qualified medical staff.
In the 1980s, the hospital became a base hospital for the training of medical students and specialists. During this period, new modern units were built, including an intensive care unit and a modern operating room. The hospital continued to introduce new medical technologies and develop its staff.
Establishment as a university hospital
In 2016, the hospital was granted the status of a university hospital, making it a key educational and research center in the country. This enabled it to collaborate with medical universities, train students and specialists, and become a leader in medical research. With this status, the healthcare institution reinforced its position as a center for highly specialized medical care and innovations.
The name of Ignat Kanev
In 2017, the hospital was named after Ignat Kaneff, a prominent Bulgarian philanthropist and benefactor who provided significant financial support for its modernization. Thanks to his donations, a number of projects were implemented to improve the hospital’s facilities, including a children’s playground in the hospital yard, departments of pediatrics, transfusion hematology, dialysis treatment, and ear, nose, and throat diseases.
University Hospital “Kanev” remains a leading institution, preparing future doctors and specialists in various fields of medicine. With its centuries-old history and striving for innovation, the hospital continues to be a symbol of care, professionalism and medical progress, preserving its traditions and developing in step with the latest trends in world medicine.
High-tech hospital with an innovative approach
Today, University Hospital “Kanev” is a modern medical institution that offers highly specialized medical care to patients from all over Northern Bulgaria. It has high-tech equipment, including a hybrid operating room, and applies the latest medical methods in various specialties. The hospital has a highly qualified medical team and works in close cooperation with leading universities and medical institutions.
