After victory: government takes billions from hospitals in Hungary

Though billions of forints were given to the hospitals during the electoral campaign after the third consecutive 2/3^rd majority gained by the government parties Fidesz is starting to distract the money flow. According to nepszava.hu, the amount of money taken back from hospitals can reach 20 bn HUF (EUR 64.4M). However, according to the Hungarian Medical Chamber, the health care system needs at least 6-700 bn HUF (EUR 2.25bn) to be able to function satisfactorily.

Problem after problem

As we already reported, the Hungarian health care system struggles with many problems. According to Republikon, half of the Hungarians think that health care is one of the two most significant problems the country. According to the international research of Ipsos MORI Social Research Institute done in 27 countries,

72% of the Hungarians mentioned health care system among the three most significant problems of the country.

For example, waiting lists are long, the debts of the hospitals are gigantic, and according to an official report leaked in 2016 two-thirds of the hospitals should be closed because of outdated medical technology, financial shortage and the lack of qualified doctors. In fact, they left the country and are working in Western-European countries because in Hungary they receive ridiculously low salaries.

According to nepszava.hu,

during the campaign Fidesz put billions of forints into the sector.

For example, hospitals got 54.6 bn HUF (EUR 175.8M) to settle their debts. Furthermore, dentists were given 7.6 bn HUF (25.4M) as one-time allowance. Moreover, in April the government raised their salary by 130 thousand forints (EUR 418). Finally, they spent 20 bn HUF (EUR 64.4M) on an 8% pay rise of the health care employees which in fact was due only in November.  However, the government brought it forward because of the pressure of the trade associations.

Directors of the hospitals in panic