Hungarian health-care institutions are, nevertheless, up to European standards, he added. Tasks will include improving basic health-care services and boosting public satisfaction, he said. Incentives for health-care workers will be changed, too, he said, adding that career-ladder pay scales were unlikely to be implemented and collective contracts would apply instead.

On the subject of hospital financing, Ónodi-Szűcs said the current situation was unclear since funds are distributed based on institutional interests. In future, public needs must be gauged before resources are allocated. If clear goals are set, matching funds should not be a problem, he added.

Regarding a planned “super hospital” for Budapest, he said it was likely to be built on the Buda side of the city. Thirteen sites are currently being considered, he said, adding that planning should be completed by the end of 2016.

Ónodi-Szűcs will replace Gábor Zombor, who resigned from the post at the end of August citing personal and family reasons.

Source www.hungarymatters.hu - Visit Hungary Matters to sign-up for MTI’s twice-daily newsletter.

MTI photo: Szigetváry Zsolt