Most doctors and patients feel weakened and humiliated by the system of giving and accepting gratitude money for state-run health care services, according to the survey, which questioned some 1,300 physicians and 700 patients.

Among doctors 89% have a negative opinion regarding gratitude money, but 78% accept the payments. Both doctors and patients consider it a form of corruption.

The gratitude payment system also contributes to the emigration of doctors, Dénes added.

Most doctors would reject gratitude money if their monthly salaries were tripled to Ft 250-300,000 net, an earlier association survey found.

Source: Hungary Around the Clock

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