Government unlocks 6,850 positions in hospitals and at the Ambulance Service

The Government approved, on Tuesday evening, the Memorandum on organising competitions for filling vacant positions in public healthcare units. This decision unblocks 6,850.75 posts in hospitals and ambulance services, and recruitment procedures may now commence.

The measure is aimed particularly at hiring nurses, auxiliary medical staff, and doctors, considered the essential categories for the proper functioning of hospitals.

How the posts are distributed across healthcare units

Of the total posts unblocked:

• 6,452 posts are allocated to hospitals funded by the National Unique Fund for Social Health Insurance (FNUASS);
• 398.75 posts are allocated to County Ambulance Services (SAJ).

According to the authorities, the purpose of the measure is to reduce the staffing deficit in healthcare units and to ensure continuity of medical care.

Which categories of staff will be hired

The posts approved by the Government are distributed as follows:

• 2,593 posts for nurses;
• 2,567 posts for auxiliary medical staff, including orderlies and porters;
• 1,433.75 posts for doctors;
• 257 posts for pharmacists, biologists, biochemists, and physicists.

The majority of vacant positions are intended for staff directly involved in the day-to-day activities of hospitals and ambulance services.

The reaction of the interim Minister of Health

The interim Minister of Health, Cseke Attila, stated: "The approval of this Memorandum represents an important step towards balancing human resources within the healthcare system and ensuring continuity of medical care in healthcare units. It is a necessary measure; however, efforts to support medical staff and to improve the efficiency of the healthcare system must be continued in a predictable and resolute manner."

Following the Government's decision, hospitals and ambulance services may immediately organise competitions to fill these vacant posts.