The midwife Koyka Koeva: the founder of first maternity hospital in Elena and an example of professional dedication

Information for nursing staff, 2026, 58(1), 65-68.

Zh. Pavlovska

Department of Health Care, Affiliate Veliko Tarnovo, Medical University – Varna

Abstract. The Sanitary Law of 1888, in particular section 13, titled “On Grandmothers Midwives”, defines the serious obligations of the midwife, but also the great social significance of this occupation for society. The aim of the study is to trace and popularize the professional pathway of the midwife Koyka Koeva and her contribution to the development of obstetric care. Materials and Methods: The documentary and historical methods and a review of archival documents have been used. One of the first graduated midwives to work in the town of Elena and the Elena District was Koyka Koeva. For over 35 years, she has worked devotedly and with exceptional responsibility in her profession, in an area that is semi-mountainous and includes the town of Elena, several larger villages and quite scattered neighborhoods. With the opening of the Health Advisory Stations, she managed to cover almost all pregnant women, mothers in labor and children up to one year old in the town of Elena and the village of Yakovtsi. She established the first maternity hospital in the town of Elena and worked alone in the first years, with the help of only one medical orderly. Her hands have welcomed more than 3,500 children. She also saved women in labor from the misfortunes caused by ignorant “grandmother-midwifes”. For all her merits in protecting the maternal and child health, she has been awarded the “People’s Order of Labor” – silver, and posthumously awarded the title of “Honorary Citizen of the Town of Elena”. Her example of humane and professional dedication can be a source of strength and inspiration for modern young midwives.

Key words: midwife, founder, maternity hospital, obstetric care, professional dedication

Address for correspondence: Zhana Pavlovska, e-mail: Zhana.Pavlovska@mu-varna.bg