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

8. Conclusions
Since the mid-1990s, Hungary has seen substantial increases in life
expectancy among both men and women. Nevertheless, many health
outcomes – including mortality from cancer, cardiovascular disease, liver
disease and suicide – remain poor, placing Hungary among the countries in
Europe with the worst health status. Mortality is especially high among middleaged
men and is primarily attributable to lifestyle factors such as smoking,
alcohol consumption and an unhealthy diet. Prevention and health promotion
are underfunded, their organization underdeveloped and the activities of the
NPHP have been substantially curtailed in recent years. Intersectoral activities
are poorly coordinated and growing inequities are not addressed properly.
However, indicators of avoidable mortality, such as infant and maternal
mortality, as well as mortality from appendicitis and hernia, paint a more
positive picture, as does Hungary’s excellent immunization record with
virtually 100% coverage against childhood diseases.
Hungary has a functioning single-payer health insurance system with
virtually universal coverage. It has achieved a successful transition from an
over-centralized, integrated Semashko-style health care system to a purchaser–
provider split model with new payment methods that have created incentives for
increased technical efficiency. For instance, Hungary introduced a DRG-based
payment system for hospitals as early as 1993 and has accumulated a wealth
of experience operating it. There is a unique patient identification system that
provides information on pharmaceuticals consumption and use of specialist
inpatient and outpatient services at the level of individual patients. This is a
rich, integrated data set whose potential has yet to be fully realized in academic
research and health policy decision-making.
8. Conclusions