Hungarian healthcare study shows decline in cash bribes but rise in nepotism

A joint study conducted by K-Monitor and the Hungarian Medical Chamber (MOK) involving nearly 2,000 physicians reveals that while direct informal payments, or ‘hálapénz’, have significantly declined, systemic inequalities in the Hungarian healthcare system persist through other means.

According to the survey, 31% of doctors believe informal payments have virtually disappeared, and 61% state they are now rare. This is a notable decrease from previous levels, particularly in departments like obstetrics and surgery. However, the study suggests that social connections and nepotism have replaced cash as the primary drivers of preferential treatment.

Key findings include:

- Approximately 75% of respondents noted that celebrities and public figures frequently receive priority or VIP treatment. - Two-thirds of doctors reported being influenced by personal connections to affect care within the last year. - 68% of doctors have experienced instances where public and private healthcare services overlap within the same hospital ward. - 61% of physicians believe that salaries in the state system are disproportionate to their workload and responsibilities.

The research highlights a blurring of lines between public and private sectors, with nearly half of the doctors observing that institutions may overlook staff members who do not fully utilize their required working hours in public facilities.