Government launches 10-billion forint program to cut medical waiting lists

During a stop in Szolnok, Magyar Péter disclosed that the government has adopted a 10 billion forint waiting-list reduction program. The effort will initially focus on the longest queues, notably hip and knee prosthesis surgeries and cataract operations. Funding will be used to boost hospital capacity and set up new medical teams capable of operating beyond standard daytime hours, including night shifts.

The goal is to bring waiting times for outpatient care down to two months and for inpatient care to six months, though current figures remain far above those targets. Success in the pilot regions could lead to a broader rollout across the health system. Data from the National Health Insurance Fund shows the hip-prosthesis waiting list grew from 9,602 patients in early April to 10,607 by mid-September.