andatory membership in the professional medical chamber will once again be required for doctors, the government spokesperson announced at a government press briefing in Budapest on Thursday.
Anita Köböl recalled that in 2023, due to a political conflict, the previous government had effectively made it impossible for the Hungarian Medical Chamber to operate, and the government has now decided to restore the chamber’s powers.
She added that since the chamber’s powers were curtailed, there had been no representative forum where doctors could voice their concerns and make proposals regarding the operation of the healthcare sector. The body also lost its right to provide opinions on legislation concerning healthcare.
The spokesperson said that in the future, only those who are members of the Hungarian Medical Chamber will be allowed to practice medicine. The reinstatement of mandatory membership will also affect healthcare workers with higher-education-level specialized qualifications.
She added that the amendment is also intended to strengthen professional self-governance, further improve patient safety and enhance professional standards.
She noted that the government will submit the draft legislation for public consultation.
