Doctors Rally in Budapest for Healthcare Reform due to Systemic Defects
On Saturday, a significant demonstration took place in Budapest’s Kossuth Square, organized by the Hungarian Medical Chamber (Hungarian Chamber of Medicine, MOK) and the Hungarian Doctors’ Union (Trade Union of Hungarian Doctors, MOSZ). The event, titled “Joint Stand for a Better Healthcare System,” aimed to highlight the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in the Hungarian healthcare sector. The organizers emphasized that the current state of healthcare affects everyone, regardless of political affiliations, and thus encouraged all citizens to participate.
The demonstration focused on several critical problems plaguing the healthcare system:
– Overcrowding in hospitals: The lack of adequate facilities and resources has led to severe overcrowding, impacting the quality of care.
– Collapsing primary care system: The primary healthcare network is struggling, with a significant shortage of general practitioners.
– Inadequate funding and outdated equipment: The sector faces insufficient financial support, leading to outdated medical equipment and facilities.
– Growing waiting lists: Patients often face long waiting times for treatments, exacerbating health issues.
– Preventable deaths and illnesses: Thousands of deaths and illnesses could be avoided with proper healthcare.
– Shortage of doctors and nurses: The persistent shortage of medical professionals further strains the system.
The organizers stressed that the Hungarian healthcare system has not seen meaningful reforms in over three decades. Péter Álmos, President of the MOK, noted that the state fails to provide sufficient resources, and political leaders were advised to refrain from attending the event to maintain its non-partisan nature.
Péter Srádi, President of the MOSZ, highlighted the crisis in healthcare, particularly the shortage of doctors and nurses. He pointed out that many nurses work outside the healthcare sector or emigrate, leading to constant crisis management.
By Saturday morning, nearly three thousand people had indicated their intention to attend the event. The demonstration featured speeches and personal stories from various stakeholders in the healthcare sector, discussing the current state of healthcare and potential solutions.
In addition to Budapest, a smaller solidarity event was held in Szeged, where participants highlighted similar issues and created “prescriptions” for what the healthcare system needs, focusing on equipment shortages and the vulnerable position of both doctors and patients.
The demonstration stressed the urgent need for systemic changes in Hungarian healthcare to prevent further deterioration and ensure better services for all citizens. The event emphasized that improving healthcare is a collective responsibility, requiring both increased funding and more efficient resource allocation.
