Tragedy: Child dies after hospital transfer as multiple facilities suspend services across Hungary – UPDATED
A heartbreaking incident has occurred in Hungary, where a child has died after being transferred between hospitals due to the closure of a pediatric ward. The event has raised serious concerns about the state of healthcare in the country.
Details of the incident
A child was initially taken to the hospital in Kalocsa with an undisclosed illness. However, the hospital was unable to provide treatment as its pediatric ward had previously been closed, ATV reports. The family was reportedly told to quickly take the child to the hospital in Baja, but no ambulance was called for the transfer.
Despite receiving treatment at Baja Hospital, the child tragically passed away the following morning.
Local response
The incident has prompted discussions at the Kalocsa municipal council meeting. The council members have decided to offer all possible assistance to the bereaved family. The Kalocsa Hospital has implemented a news blackout regarding the case. They have refused to provide information even to the mayor, despite requests for details.
Widespread healthcare problems
On the same day as this tragic incident, Hungary’s healthcare system faced multiple service suspensions, 444.hu writes. According to statements from the National Centre for Public Health and Pharmacy…
- Dunavecse: The pediatric outpatient care services were suspended due to a shortage of doctors.
- Békés: The orthopedic department ceased operations, also citing a lack of medical personnel.
- Kecskemét: The hospital’s CT scanner malfunctioned, preventing the treatment of certain stroke and cardiovascular patients.
UPDATE: Police launch investigation
The Bács-Kiskun County Police Headquarters has launched an investigation into negligent endangerment following reports of a child’s death after being transferred from Kalocsa to Baja, Telex reports. According to ATV, the child was taken to the Kalocsa hospital with pneumonia and croupy cough, but was directed to seek care in Baja without being provided ambulance transport.
The child received treatment in Baja but passed away the following morning. The National Hospital Directorate-General (OKFŐ) refuted these claims, stating that the child was initially examined by a pediatrician who offered ambulance transport to the Bajai Szent Rókus Hospital, which the family declined.
The child was admitted to the Baja hospital within two hours and received all necessary care; however, despite diligent and professional treatment, the child died 23 hours after admission. OKFŐ emphasised that the child’s care and death are not connected to the Kalocsa hospital. The police initiated the investigation after learning about the incident from media reports.
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