The document describes a Virtual Medical School project created by the "Probuda 126" library in the village of Zgorigrad, Vratsa Municipality. The project targeted residents who had worked in the local Plakalnitsa mine, 80% of whom suffered from osteochondral and pulmonary diseases. Using the library's equipment and resources, the project provided access to educational e-materials and specialists on these common diseases. Over 50% of retired mine workers participated. The Virtual Medical School helped increase participants' medical knowledge and quality of life.

1. “Probuda 126“ Chitalishte
Zgorigrad village,
Vratsa Municipality, Vratsa District

3. Virtual Medical School
 60% of the working population of the village of Zgorigrad used
to work in Plakalnitsa mine;
80% of those who worked there are affected by osteochondral
and pulmonary diseases, which provoked us to target this group of
people in our project;
 50% of people in retirement age who have worked in the mine
were involved in the project;
We have used the equipment and the potential of our chitalishte
library to create the Virtual Medical School.

4. Virtual Medical School
 The users had the opportunity of working with specialists
on these types of diseases.
 They were provided with access to e-materials, thus we
increased their knowledge about these diseases and the
respective treatments, resulting in an improved quality of life.
 We had purchased specialized medical literature and have
created a database on the prevention of diseases which are
common in our community, aimed at providing help to all
inhabitants of the village of Zgorigrad, since the project is
covering only a certain percentage of the total population.

5. Work with medical specialists
The following topics were reviewed :
 Osteoporosis and Coxarthrosis;
 Types of rheumatic diseases;
 Diseases of the joints;
 Lower back pains - spinal disc herniation –
disc disease;
 Osteoarthritis and arthritis;
 Gout – balanced and healthy eating

6. We covered the topics of:
 Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD);
 Bronchitis;
 Pneumonia;
 Asthma;
 Tuberculosis;
 Pleurisy.

10. Results achieved:
 The library has been recognized as a place where our inhabitants
could obtain information concerning the major diseases of risk in the
village – osteochondral and pulmonary conditions, as well as about other
health issues;
 We have created successful partnerships with:
• Romantica pensioners’ club;
• Health institutions;
• Medical specialists;
 We prepared an Electronic Manual on health topics and a database on
medical institutions and medical doctors in the municipality which is
updated on a weekly basis.