Solidarity gathering in Szeged for a better healthcare system
On March 8, the Hungarian Medical Chamber organized a demonstration in Budapest’s Kossuth Square under the slogan "Standing Together for Better Healthcare!". Prior to the protests, Péter Srádi, president of the Hungarian Doctors' Trade Union, warned that the mental health of healthcare workers is in crisis – with two-thirds experiencing burnout and depressive symptoms. He emphasized that dissatisfaction can no longer be suppressed and stressed that the issue is not just a lack of funding – structural reforms are also urgently needed.
For those unable to attend the Budapest protest, a solidarity gathering was held in Szeged in front of the old No. 1 Hospital, organized by aHang, a civil advocacy group that mobilizes citizens on social and political issues. The location on Kossuth Lajos sugárút was symbolic, as the hospital has been closed for nearly 20 years, reflecting the long-standing challenges in the Hungarian healthcare system.
A few dozen supporters gathered to voice their concerns about the deteriorating state of healthcare, citing overburdened hospitals, a collapsing general practitioner system, inadequate funding, outdated equipment, long waiting lists, and a critical shortage of doctors and nurses. Participants also had the opportunity to symbolically "prescribe" solutions for improving the healthcare system.
The organizers stressed that the growing dissatisfaction among healthcare workers and the public cannot be ignored any longer.
Photos: Szilvia Molnar / Szegedify
