Hungary faces critical shortage of pediatricians

Hungary is facing a critical shortage of pediatricians, with 245 pediatric practices remaining unfilled for at least six months. In 34 locations, these positions have been vacant for a decade. Data from the Association of Family Pediatricians indicates that the number of pediatricians has decreased by approximately 24 percent in recent years, resulting in the closure of 150 practices.

The crisis is driven largely by an aging workforce; two-thirds of practicing pediatricians are elderly, while those under the age of 40 represent only 7 percent of the profession. To address this, the government and medical associations are discussing structural reforms.

Proposed solutions include restructuring practice financing, increasing on-call hourly rates, and providing better funding for practices in disadvantaged regions. To reduce the administrative burden, the government plans to phase out the requirement for doctors to issue school and kindergarten certifications. Additionally, officials aim to create a predictable career model to attract younger physicians and provide financial incentives for those undergoing further specialization.