Govt submits health bills to parliament

Budapest, November 5 (MTI) - Minister of National Resources Miklos Rethelyi on Saturday submitted a package of amendments to Hungary s health laws.

The proposals seek to establish a regional system as of May 2012, with Regional Health Councils to coordinate health policy and health care services in each region. Under the bill, regional health development programmes will be prepared, with special regard to forecasts concerning the health status of the local population and expected demand for health services.

If the proposals are passed into law, patient cooperation in terms of following instructions concerning dosage of medications, diet, and lifestyle will be considered when granting subsidies to medicine purchases.

Pharmacists will be obliged to inform patients if prescribed medications could be replaced by cheaper products.

The amendments have also been designed to establish a National Patient Forum to represent the interests of patients and liaise with the health ministry, health care providers, non-governmental and church organisations.