Medical workers at the biggest emergency centre in Bulgaria, Pirogov, ended their strike on July 16 2007.

The strike started on July 13, following allegations that Health Minister Radoslav Gaidarski had violated an agreement on structural reforms at the hospital and new appointments to the hospital's board of directors.

The medics started protesting in May 2007, demanding higher wages, better equipment and organisational restructuring at the hospital.

On July 16, medics at the centre approved a vote of confidence in the new board of directors appointed in mid-July, Focus news agency reported.

Deputy Health Minister Matei Mateev, who is also director of the board, said that the board had been officially registered at Sofia City Court.

The new board plans to review how the hospital operates and to analyse its financial management.

Monthly wages in the hospital will be raised by 15 per cent from August 1 2007, Focus said. Reduction of expenses will provide the money for the increase in the salaries.