Health Systems in Transition - Hungary - World Health Organization ...

Health systems in transition Hungary 165
(15%) and Austria (15%). It is estimated that about 15% of all dentists and an
additional 5000 skilled workers are involved in cross-border dental care in
Hungary (Kámán, 2010).
5.13 Complementary and alternative medicine
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is regulated by a government
and a ministerial decree (1997/1). These apply to naturopathic methods and
other forms of non-conventional medicine. According to the government decree,
CAM is considered a health care activity that complements or, in special cases,
substitutes for conventional medicine; it may be practised only by appropriately
qualified professionals (Articles 1–3). The ministerial decree lists recognized
CAM procedures in three main groups depending on the qualifications required
for their practice. First, there are procedures that can be performed only by
physicians, including manual therapy, neural therapy, traditional Chinese
medicine and any other CAM techniques that are taught only in medical
schools. Manual therapy, however, is an exception because physiotherapists
are also authorized to use it (excluding manipulation of the spine). Second,
procedures such as acupressure or reflex-zone therapy can be performed by
any skilled person with a professional qualification. Lastly, a simple certificate
from a continuing education programme is sufficient for the use of less complex
CAM procedures, including techniques utilizing bioenergy, phytotherapy or
kinesiology (1997/1, Annex 1). The government decree regulates the therapeutic
process; the registration and licensing of CAM practitioners; the choice of
acceptable alternative medicines, therapeutic agents and equipment; the
minimum standards of practice; and the professional qualification required to
perform various CAM procedures.
Some procedures, such as acupuncture, are eligible for HIF financing, but
the bulk of CAM services must be paid out-of-pocket (2002/18). The providers
of CAM services are supervised by the municipal and capital district offices
of the NPHMOS (1997/1).
5.14 Health care for specific populations
In Hungary the unfavourable health status of the Roma population is a significant
problem, which is difficult to study, due to the lack of reliable socioeconomic,
demographic and health data. According to the latest census in 2001, 190 000