Health Minister Commemorates Coronavirus Pandemic Victims

Health-care Minister Zsolt Hegedűs commemorated the victims of the new coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) in a social media post on Saturday, noting that official records put the number of fatalities in Hungary at 49,124.

A memorial list compiled by the Hungarian Medical Chamber in 2023 includes 84 deceased health-care workers, the minister said, adding that the actual figure may have been higher.

Zsolt Hegedűs noted that he visited on Friday the mobile hospital built during the pandemic in Kiskunhalas, in southern Hungary, which is now almost entirely empty.

"On November 1, when we light candles across the country in memory of our departed loved ones, let us think about the nearly 50,000 Hungarian victims of the coronavirus pandemic, including the health-care workers who lost their lives," the minister said. "Doctors, nurses, ambulance staff and health-care workers toiled to save the lives of others, only to lose their own in the process. Their memory deserves respect and gratitude," he added.

He reminded that during the pandemic, some HUF 300 billion (EUR 820m) in public funds were spent on purchasing medical equipment, primarily ventilators. Most of the equipment was never put into service and several devices proved faulty or unsuitable, he added, noting that criminal proceedings had been initiated in connection with these procurements on suspicion of fraud and money laundering.

He stated that while families mourned their loved ones and health-care workers fought to save lives, certain companies reaped enormous profits.

"The investigations must cover every detail! Who made the decisions on the procurements? Who got rich? Why were such large quantities of equipment purchased, equipment that ultimately went unused or proved to be unsuitable?" he asked, adding that those who illegally profited from the pandemic and human tragedies must be identified and held accountable.