In 1951 RIO moved on under the direction of the Institute for Qualification of the Physicians. The same year thirteen Regional Oncological Dispensaries were created. During its firs period of development (1950-1957) RIO became a leading center for diagnosing and treatment of the malignancy diseases, as well as a center for qualification of the physicians in the field of oncology.

In 1957 the Institute moved in a new basis with 256 beds for diagnosing and treatment of patients with cancer diseases and experimental laboratories for research activities. Later on Research Institute of Oncology changed its name to National Oncology Center of (NOC).
 

STATUS:

Now National Oncology Center is an independent organization with its own budget, situated in Sofia.

ACTIVITIES:
The basic activities of NOC are:
 
• profilaxy, diagnosis, treatment and research in the field of oncology
• postgraduate education in oncology of physicians, nurses and other medical personnel.


FUNCTIONS:
 

• NOC is a special unit of the Ministry of Health on the problems of oncology 
• Organizational and methodological direction of other oncological institutions in the country 
• Expert and control body in the field of oncology 
• National Coordinator of oncology.