In July 1, 2013, a government decree came into force that required pension-aged employees in the public sector to choose whether to retire or to remain in the workplace. The decree further exacerbated staffing shortages in a health-care sector already suffering a serious lack of professionals.

Of the 5,400 exemptions requested under the decree, the government approved more than 5,000, rejecting just over 300 requests (which would have allowed pension-eligible staff to continue working). According to Magyar Idők, practically every pension-eligible physician continues to work.

But staffing shortages among health-care professionals continue to remain unresolved as the problem keeps growing year after year. This situation is aggravated by growing numbers of young Hungarian health-care workers who elect to pursue work opportunities abroad. In other words, health-care professionals who, by law, should retire, are making up the shortage of fresh professionals.ir of denial.

At a health-care conference hosted in Budapest for the health-care ministers of China and Central Eastern European countries (ironically, Hungary has no health-care minister), Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjén lauded Hungary’s achievements in the sector, adding that these are noteworthy and can serve as an example for other countries.

Speaker of the National Assembly László Kövér also spoke at the event, and likewise praised Hungary’s advances in health-care since Fidesz returned to power in 2010. According to Kövér, Hungary has made huge advancements in medical education, production of pharmaceuticals, epidemiology, and the preservation of natural springs.

Source: The Budapest Beacon

Republished with permission