Upcoming Changes to Budapest’s Primary Care On-Call System: What You Should Know
The Ministry of Interior’s State Secretary for Health has announced that a new primary care on-call system will be launched in Budapest on 1 October, providing improved services for patients. According to a press conference held in Budapest, the new system, managed by the National Ambulance Service (OMSZ), will include 28 adult and three pediatric care centres across 15 locations, along with 14 mobile units for support.
The new structure aims to coordinate primary care, emergency medical services, and hospital emergency departments, ensuring better collaboration and efficiency. Residents are reminded to call the 112 emergency number for life-threatening emergencies, while non-urgent issues after 4 PM, on weekends, and public holidays can be directed to the familiar 1830 hotline.
In line with the system already implemented in rural areas, healthcare professionals will assess patients’ conditions over the phone and either refer them to a primary care on-call centre or dispatch a mobile unit. Urgent cases will prompt an ambulance dispatch. Separate on-call services will be available for adults and children, with dedicated pediatric centres and mobile units, as well as two daytime care points.
The new system has been developed with input from general practitioners, the medical chamber, and other professional organizations to ensure optimal adaptation for the capital. There are no plans to change the working hours of general practitioners in Budapest, which typically run from 8 AM to 12 PM and from 4 PM to 8 PM.
Under the new system, patients will call the 1830 number to have a specialist determine the necessary level of care. OMSZ Director General Gábor Csató reassured that patients won’t need to search for the right care themselves, as specialists will guide them appropriately. Recruitment of healthcare professionals is ongoing, with all necessary resources and personnel in place for the system’s launch on 1 October.
Additionally, the OMSZ will utilize various communication channels, including their website, the LifeSaver app for push notifications, and route planning apps to highlight on-call centres. Information will also be shared through local newspapers and TV channels to ensure that the public remains informed on the new system.
