Hungary faces elderly care crisis with massive waiting lists

Hungary is experiencing a systemic crisis in its elderly care system, characterized by chronic staff shortages and extensive waiting lists. According to data from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Family, 48,070 people are currently waiting for social care, including 45,236 seeking placement in nursing homes and 2,834 seeking care houses. This number of applicants is comparable to the entire population of the city of Eger.

With 61,999 total available places nationwide, the number of people on waiting lists represents approximately 78 percent of the current total capacity. The Ministry reports an average waiting time of one year. While many applicants may be registering for future needs rather than immediate relocation, the pressure on existing facilities remains significant.

In response to these challenges, the Jobbik Healthcare Cabinet has proposed the creation of a dedicated, transparent state fund called the Elderly Care Fund. The proposal suggests redirecting a portion of existing excise tax revenues from tobacco and alcohol products toward elderly care, prevention, and long-term investments such as building new facilities and modernizing existing infrastructure, rather than introducing new taxes.