Hungary is facing a healthcare crisis as doctors increasingly leave for better opportunities in Western European countries, resulting in a severe shortage of healthcare professionals and straining the country’s healthcare infrastructure. It has led to longer waiting times and understaffed medical facilities, compromising patient care quality. 

While the Hungarian government denies systemic emigration, doctors themselves point to factors such as higher salaries, improved working conditions, and access to advanced medical equipment as driving their decision to seek employment abroad. The relatively low healthcare spending in Hungary, only 7.3% of GDP compared to the EU average of 10.9%, further exacerbates the problem.