Drunken Bulgarian Doctor Exonerated in Patient's Death

The cancer patient in Bulgaria's Black Sea city of Varna, who was visited by a drunken emergency room doctor, has passed away from a heart attack.

The news was reported Saturday by the Bulgarian Standard daily, citing the findings in the autopsy report of Varna coroners.

Doctor Luybomir Rizov, 53, was arrested Friday on suspicions he administered two wrong shots under the influence of alcohol, causing the death of the patient.

The autopsy has shown that he was not to blame for the fatality. His boss from the ER further says that Rizov had extensive experience and could not mix the shots. He has never before the incident committed any violations in his work.

The physician has been released after spending 24 hours behind bars. The blood test showed elevated alcohol levels, meaning he has been drinking even though he knew that he was on call that same evening.

The Prosecutor's Office in Varna launched pre-trial procedures for medical malfeasance, but has not yet pressed official charges in awaiting the results from all tests.

Rizov has been called at night to assist a cancer patient who had also suffered a heart attack.

The physician looked obviously drunk, relatives insist. He administered two shots, and the patient died soon after.

The deceased man, a retired military officer, has been buried in Varna Saturday.

• 1