Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán inaugurated the fully renovated Jewish Charity Hospital (Szeretetkórház) in Budapest’s Zugló district alongside Mazsihisz President Dr Andor Grósz.
The project, which began in 2019 and was funded with approximately HUF 8.5–8.6 billion from the government, has transformed the hospital into a modern, state-of-the-art institution capable of providing high-quality care for both outpatients and inpatients.
It is the only remaining Jewish hospital in Budapest, following the nationalisation of two hospitals and the destruction of another by the Arrow Cross Party during the Second World War.
Orbán recalled that when Andor Grósz became president of the Federation of Hungarian Jewish Communities (Mazsihisz), the government concluded three agreements with the organisation.
The first of these commitments has now been fulfilled with the complete renewal of the Jewish Charity Hospital, while the others—including the renovation of the National Rabbinical Seminary and Mazsihisz headquarters—will follow.
The Hungarian Prime Minister noted that faith-based institutions hold a special place for him, as they often provide “a unique quality of care.” Today, Budapest boasts high-standard hospitals run by Catholic, Reformed and Jewish communities alike.
During the visit, Orbán toured the hospital alongside Dr Andor Grósz, Dr Péter Kunos (Managing Director of Mazsihisz-BZSH), Tamás Mester (Vice-President of Mazsihisz and President of the Budapest Jewish Community), Dr Péter Nógrádi (Vice-President of Mazsihisz), Dr Assaf Shemesh (Director-General of the hospital) and Hajnalka Berecz (Director of Nursing).
The delegation was guided through the hospital from the basement to the upper floors, observing the newly refurbished wards, specialist clinics and communal areas.
Before entering the building, Dr Róbert Frölich, Chief Rabbi of Hungary, and Dániel Hercz, Rabbi of the hospital’s synagogue district, affixed a mezuzah at the Amerikai úti entrance in accordance with Jewish tradition. The Chief Rabbi expressed his hope that the Eternal would protect all staff and patients of the institution.
The renovation, completed in five phases, included the full refurbishment of the hospital’s three-wing complex, the creation of comfortable wards (most twin rooms equipped with accessible bathrooms, televisions and air conditioning), modern outpatient and inpatient facilities, and a park upgrade.
Hospice capacity expanded from ten to 39 beds, making it the largest hospital-based hospice unit in Hungary.
Musculoskeletal rehabilitation beds increased from 20 to 60, and a new department for active inpatient care was established.
Modern medical equipment, accessible lifts, a solar panel system, and a unified IT infrastructure now ensure cutting-edge patient care.
Dr Grósz expressed gratitude to the government, the Jewish and non-Jewish communities, and the hospital staff for their dedication. He emphasised the hospital’s broader role, serving not only the Jewish community but the entire Hungarian population, particularly in chronic care, musculoskeletal treatment, rehabilitation, and hospice services.
Looking to the future, he said: “May this institution be a home for healing, peace and human dignity, where protecting life is not merely a principle but a daily reality. I hope it becomes a place of learning and innovation, where young healthcare professionals experience that medicine is both a vocation and an ethical responsibility.”
The newly renovated departments will gradually become operational, establishing the Szeretetkórház as a modern, education-accredited institution, specialising primarily in geriatric care, rehabilitation, and hospice services, while continuing to fulfil state healthcare responsibilities in collaboration with other national institutions.
