Hungarian Doctors and the Medical System

In the medical profession, most of the comments about the doctors were positive.

Unfortunately, the comments about the facilities they work in were less than positive. One American doctor said, “Hungarian doctors try whatever it takes to make a patient well, whether it would be dietary change, a lifestyle change or whatever would improve the patient’s health. He commented that often, American doctors only prescribe drugs for everything and do not look at the entire picture.”

When asked if they show a particular weakness, another said, said, “I respect my Hungarian colleagues deeply, but they seem to have trouble with diagnosis.” Could this be the issue of decision making that the engineer mentioned?

One American woman who has had several medical problems mentioned that though she would prefer much more modern medical facilities, she appreciated that the doctors listen very intently and try to work with the patient. She believed that the Hungarian doctor was very careful to explain to her everything he supposed was wrong and did not treat her like he was the only expert on her body and she had nothing to say.

However, they all criticized the Hungarian medical system. Sometimes if you have an urgent problem and you must go to the hospital it takes hours for a doctor to see you. They noted that the support people in the hospital often treat you like you are the problem rather than you have a problem and they are part of the solution.

One other American missionary told a beautiful story. He took his daughter in to see the doctor for an ear infection. The doctor prescribed an antibiotic and asked for the father to bring her back after two weeks. When the American asked about payment, the doctor said that he could pay when he returned for the next exam. The young girl healed rapidly from the antibiotics and it was not necessary for the father to bring her back. He went back anyway to pay the bill. The doctor asked, “Why did you return? Most people would have gone on and not taken the time to return and spend the money.” The American replied, “I saw on your wall a license to practice in the U.S. and you left a very large income to come here and work for at least forty times less the amount of money you could make practicing in the U.S. It is obvious that you love your country and your people and are here to serve.” The doctor cried and said, “Thank you for noticing this.” He then gave the father a free examination and a free prescription for a sinus problem.

Though many Hungarians complain that there are few patriots (hazafiak) left, they do exist!

doctors, medical system, hospital, health, morality, ethic