Mezőtúr Hospital Chief Physician Faces Charges

Suspension Follows Allegations of Bribery and Negligence

A senior physician at Mezőtúr Hospital has been suspended amid an ongoing police investigation into allegations of accepting “gratitude money” and patient negligence. The hospital assures that patient care remains unaffected by the proceedings.

Investigation Details Emerge

Dávid Mészáros, a representative for Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok County, confirmed that the chief physician of the internal medicine department is under scrutiny. The suspension was reportedly immediate, according to a local news outlet.

Mészáros has communicated with hospital leadership, the Hungarian Medical Chamber, the County Prosecutor’s Office, and the National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy regarding the matter.

Hospital Assures Continuity of Care

Despite the disruption, the hospital administration stated that the internal medicine department’s operations are continuing smoothly. They emphasized a commitment to providing safe and high-quality patient care, adhering to all professional standards.

Gratitude Money Prosecutions on the Rise

This case highlights a broader trend in Hungary, where over 400 healthcare workers have faced prosecution since the introduction of stricter regulations on “gratitude money” in 2021. Reports received by authorities have surged from nine in 2021 to 130 doctors and 141 other staff members by late last month.

Previously, in 2022, directives from the National Hospital Directorate-General indicated that legal employment relationships should be terminated immediately upon the initiation of criminal proceedings, even without a formal accusation or conviction.

Legal Framework for Gratitude Payments

Hungary enacted a “gratitude law” on January 1, 2021, which brought about stringent penalties for unauthorized payments to healthcare professionals.