The gratuity could disappear forever – The doctors’ opinions agree

The Hungarian healthcare system poses serious dilemmas for many, particularly regarding the issue of gratuities. Gratuities, which often lead to tensions surrounding access to medical treatment and various healthcare services, also undermine the trust between patients and doctors. An increasing number of doctors wish to rid themselves of this practice, and public opinion is gradually rejecting the institution of gratuities. However, changing the situation cannot be achieved solely by raising salaries; more comprehensive reforms are necessary.

Due to the complexity of the issue, solving the situation requires consideration of many aspects, including the transformation of legal frameworks, medical education, and the structure of patient care. The opinions and experiences of doctors serve as an important compass for changes, as they are the ones who confront the issue daily. The responses and proposals from the medical community clearly indicate that abolishing the gratuity system is essential, and a solid framework must be established for future steps.

Research Details

The research involved 907 doctors who completed an online, voluntary questionnaire. The respondents represent the Hungarian medical community and come from various specialties. The purpose of the questionnaire was to collect objective data on the practice of gratuities and the opinions of doctors. The analysis of the responses during the research can help in establishing the framework necessary for abolishing the gratuity system.

Based on the processed data, it can be established that the overwhelming majority of Hungarian doctors, 96%, wish to work in a gratuity-free healthcare system. Compared to previous years, the proportion of those who firmly reject gratuities has also increased, indicating that the profession is increasingly committed to change. The research also highlighted that the perception of gratuities has significantly changed: one-third of respondents view gratuities as a means of purchasing appropriate care from the patients’ perspective.

The results of the research thus reflect not only the prevalence of gratuities but also that, according to doctors, fear and the demand for purchasing services underpin the system. Respondents perceive that the proportion of gratuity practices and the amount of payments has decreased in recent years.

Salary Increases and Proposed Solutions

Significant increases in base salaries for medical professionals have been observed recently, with the average net base salary rising from 194,000 HUF to 260,000 HUF. Nevertheless, three-quarters of the doctors who completed the questionnaire believe that the current salary level is insufficient to realize their future plans. Sixty percent of professionals emphasized that mere salary increases are not enough to eliminate the gratuity system.

Among residents, the opinion that alternative solutions are needed to address the gratuity issue is even more pronounced. Additionally, half of the respondents agreed that the legal option to purchase “extra” hospital services is also essential for change.

The results of the questionnaire indicate that there is significant interest among doctors regarding the issue of gratuities. Respondents agree that the system should reward doctors based on performance. Supporting professional education and regulating the cooperation of various healthcare systems also emerged as important considerations.

The Necessity of Abolishing the Gratuity System

Based on the research, the Association of Residents and Specialists confirmed that the gratuity system must be abolished. The professional community clearly supports the elimination of gratuities and focuses on developing the next steps. Based on the information gathered during the survey, the necessary elements of the framework clearly emerge.

The proposed framework includes a decent base salary, performance-based compensation, recognition of medical education, the option to choose one’s own doctor, and cooperation between the public and private healthcare systems. Additionally, legal regulation is important, which can help increase the transparency of the system.

The results of the research clearly indicate that abolishing the gratuity system serves not only the interests of the profession but also those of patients. The medical community is committed to change, and the opinions and proposals of respondents form the basis for future reforms. The future of healthcare depends on collective efforts, and eliminating gratuities may be an essential step towards restoring trust.