The majority of Hungarian babies are born in corruption – Fresh survey results

Eleven thousand people filled in the so-called birth experience map. The recently published survey revealed that gratuity is paid at 68% of births, the average amount of which is EUR 313 (~HUF 111,000). Based on these results, the amount of gratuity paid in state obstetrics in Hungary is estimated at EUR 19.7 million (~HUF 7 billion) every year.

The joint survey of Niiszültem.hu, K-monitor and EMMA Association reveals that gratuity is paid at 68% of births, partly on request (15%) and partly on their own. The latter is a much more common case; however, it might be related to the fact that demanding gratuity is a criminal offence, and the claim can also be brought to the patient’s attention by implicit behaviour. In 97% of cases, the transaction takes place after delivery. The results also revealed that the average amount is EUR 313 (~HUF 111,000) – reported by K Blog.

Accordingly, the amount of gratuity paid in state obstetrics is estimated for EUR 19.7 million (~HUF 7 billion) a year in Hungary.

According to the Hungarian news portal 24.hu, the survey also highlights that:

• the transaction takes place after delivery in 97% of the cases.
• it is dependant on the region as well – while in the Central Hungarian area, gratitude money is paid at 76% of births, in Central Transdanubia only 48% are concerned.
• gratuity is paid to doctors in 88% of cases, but often midwives (also) receive (60%) envelopes.
• Cesarean sections are more common for births with a doctor. For those who gave birth with a doctor on call, the proportion of cesarean deliveries was 43%; while for births with an on-call doctor, that number was 29%.

The research also revealed why gratuity is so commonly paid. The majority of respondents wanted to give birth at their own doctor/midwife (55%), while 45.5% paid with the purpose of expressing their gratitude. Nearly 30% of respondents expected more attention, 25% expected their maternity needs to be considered (e.g., avoiding artificial interventions), 22.5% expected higher quality care, and 15% expected better conditions in exchange for gratitude money.

The new Health Service Law also regulates the issue of gratitude money.

Under the law, from 1^st January, both accepting and offering gratitude money will be punishable. Healthcare workers may accept from patients no more than once an item whose value does not exceed 5% of the monthly amount of the minimum wage, ie. EUR 23 (~HUF 8,000).

Read alsoBirth rate rises in the first ten months, fewer deaths in Hungary

Source: k.blog.hu; 24.hu