Hunglish.orgAs the battle rages in the US over nationalized healthcare, Scott Savoie again writes on the socialized healthcare system in Hungary.
Written by Scott Savoie
So in part one, I wrote the Hungarian healthcare system isn’t that bad and it isn’t.
The doctors seem to be clever and well-trained professionals.
On the other hand, some of the other people working in the healthcare field definititely have the Socialist-era work ethic: They have a government job, they cannot be fired, and they will work as they damn well please.
For example, if you go to any hospital in Hungary, there will be a guy sitting near the entrace. He will be reading a newspaper or magazine. I guess technically he is a security guard or something, but he is definitely not there to be helpful and will not assist you in navigating the bewildering maze of unmarked buildings.
The building themselves are typically in poor repair and in many cases simply unclean.
There is often a „cleaning lady” shuffling around somewhere. This will be an old crone of retirement age plus 10. They will have a broom that they push the same pile of dirt around with all day.
The cleaning ladies themselves often look unclean and unkempt; think of a bag lady having a bad hair day.
Then there will be the receptionist wearing a dingy white smock and completely devoid of typing skills. She will also probably be devoid of acute listening skills as well, so she may mispell your name after hunting and pecking at the keyboard for several minutes.
But the doctors are good. And it is free, sort of.
Perhaps, however, some measure of competition (even amongst themselves) would be beneficial...