EU Commission: State of health in Hungary 2019

Low payments, not enough financial support, an unhealthy environment, and many other factors suggest that healthcare is not the priority of Hungary. Hungarians’ health, life situation, and the chronic diseases of many children contribute to this as well.

According to Napi, the European Commission published its report regarding the quality of 28 countries’ healthcare system along with Norway and Iceland. The report also measured the populations’ health and the effectiveness of healthcare facilities and services in each country.

The report stated that in spite of many developments in the Hungarian healthcare system since 2000, it is still one of the least favourable ones in the European Union. The system is too hospital-focused and does not make any efforts in prevention and basic needs.

The average lifespan has increased since 2000, but it is still under the EU average by five years. Hungarian women live seven years longer than men. Among 65-year-old Hungarians, above 2/3 of them reported chronic diseases. This is because Hungarians suffer from diseases affecting their everyday life and health.

Hungary is among the strongest smoking countries in the EU. Consuming alcoholic drinks also has an extremely high percentage, especially among the members of the younger generations. This number is 10% higher than the EU average. Besides, most fatal cancer diseases affect Hungarians in the EU due to smoking.