Hungary to Cut Long Hospital Stays for Infants Stuck in Care

The Hungarian Ministry of Social and Family Affairs reported that around 320 infants and small children are currently confined in hospitals, with an average stay of 105 days before placement with families, foster care or adoption. The government plans to eliminate these prolonged stays, targeting systemic improvements by January 2027. In June, 99 children were released from hospital care, including 15 who returned to their biological families, and 64 adoption procedures were initiated. Minister Vilmos Kátai‑Németh said the aim is to end large‑scale infant institutions and accelerate the creation of suitable foster‑care placements, rather than building new large orphanages. The ministry also intends to make contraceptives cheaper or free to reduce future demand for such emergency care.