Hungary launches 10 billion forint program to reduce healthcare waiting lists

The Hungarian government has announced a 10 billion forint program aimed at reducing healthcare waiting lists, scheduled to launch in 2026. Prime Minister Péter Magyar stated that the initiative will initially focus on areas with the longest wait times, specifically mentioning hip and knee replacements as well as cataract surgeries.

To increase capacity, the program will fund the creation of new medical teams and expand surgical availability beyond standard working hours, including afternoons, weekends, and nights. Health Minister Zsolt Hegedűs noted that financial incentives will be introduced for medical staff, with a portion of these rewards tied to professional quality indicators and patient satisfaction.

Efforts to expand capacity are already underway at Semmelweis University and the University of Pécs, with international specialists expected to assist using modern rehabilitation protocols. The government also plans to move away from automatic restrictions based on BMI, opting instead for decisions based on individual patient risk.

Regarding long-term financing, the government expects to increase healthcare funding by 500 billion forints in 2027 compared to 2026 levels.