A disagreement has emerged between two incoming cabinet members regarding the future of maternity care in Hungary. Zsolt Hegedűs, the incoming Minister of Health, has responded to a promise made by István Kapitány, the incoming Minister of Economy and Energy, to restore the free choice of obstetricians.
A Clash of Visions for Maternity Care
While Hegedűs stated that he very much welcome[s]
Kapitány’s focus on the importance of childbearing and the critical state of the demographic situation
, he argued that the ability to choose a specific doctor is more complex than it appears.
Hegedűs maintains that the primary goal should be ensuring that every woman receives safe, humane and predictable obstetric care
regardless of her place of residence, personal connections, or financial means.
Prioritizing Systems Over Connections
The incoming health minister argued that the quality of care should not depend on who someone visited in private practice, whom they know, or how much they can pay
. Instead, he believes the system requires uniform protocols, a strong professional staff, and clear boundaries between state and private care.
Hegedűs suggested that true progress would involve a system where women know exactly which protocols are followed, what their rights are, and how to seek redress if those rights are not respected. He noted that advanced healthcare systems generally do not rely on a model based on an accepted doctor
.
Next Steps for the Health Ministry
Because he views this as a very complex issue
, Hegedűs stated that decisions regarding the choice of obstetricians should be based on professional consultations.
The issue is likely to be discussed within the independent health ministry. Potential participants in these consultations may include professional organizations, medical and midwifery societies, professional chambers, as well as women’s advocacy and patient rights groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did István Kapitány promise regarding maternity care?
István Kapitány, the incoming Minister of Economy and Energy, promised to restore the free choice of obstetricians.
What specific data does Zsolt Hegedűs believe should be public?
He believes institutional data should be accessible, including the rates of C-sections, episiotomies, and birth inductions, as well as oxytocin use, epidural access, rooming-in practices, the presence of a companion during labor, midwife capacity, and the number and handling of complaints.
How does Zsolt Hegedűs plan to address the issue of doctor selection?
He intends to bring the matter to the agenda of the independent health ministry for full discussion with professional chambers, medical and midwifery societies, patient rights groups, and women’s advocacy organizations.
Do you believe healthcare quality is better ensured through individual doctor choice or through standardized institutional transparency?
