Maternity Care at the Highest Level - Workshop Conference on the 110th Anniversary of the Hungarian Health Visitor Service
On the occasion of the 110th anniversary of the Hungarian Health Visitor Service, which has been declared a hungarikum (national treasure), a workshop conference titled Maternity Care at the Highest Level was held at KINCS. The speakers presented the historical development of the health visitor service and its multifaceted work for the health and well-being of families.
In her opening speech, Tünde Fűrész emphasized that pregnancy is not a burden but a blessed state in which health visitors play a key role, helping ensure that this period is truly joyful. This approach is reflected not only in Hungarian legislation but also in the healthcare and family support systems, which are regarded as examples even in the United States. The President of KINCS noted that the family support system explicitly includes assistance during pregnancy, as most family benefits - such as the infant care fee (CSED), the family tax allowance, the income tax exemption for mothers under 30, the Baby Expecting Subsidy, and the CSOK Plus and Village CSOK - can already be accessed from the 12th week of pregnancy.
Dr. Bence Rétvári pointed out that in recent years numerous developments have supported the work of health visitors: the former paper-based maternity care booklet has been replaced by an electronic version, now used by about four million people on their phones, providing much more information than before. The Minister and State Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs of the Ministry of Interior also noted that the health visitor service has been placed under the professional supervision of county hospitals, and health visitors have been included in the professional healthcare pay scale, thus improving their financial recognition. This progress is part of a consistent family policy approach, thanks to which family support measures have been continuously expanding since 2010.
Zsófia Koncz emphasized that since 2010, Hungary has implemented a unique family policy, of which the health visitor network is a key pillar. The State Secretary for Families highlighted that several countries - including the United States - closely follow the Hungarian family support system. In fact, inspired by Hungary’s baby bond, the United States will launch the “Trump Accounts” in 2026 to support newborns’ savings. She also noted that Hungary is currently implementing Europe’s largest family tax reduction program, as a result of which the family tax allowance has increased one and a half times, the infant care fee (CSED) and the child care fee (GYED) have become tax-free, and this month around 250,000 mothers of three children will receive their first personal income tax–exempt salary.
Dr. Orsolya Surján presented the history of the health visitor profession and the diverse nature of health visitors’ work. The Chief Medical Officer underlined that local health visitors are the families’ most important allies, providing professional advice, emotional support, and practical assistance throughout the entire period of childbearing and childrearing. Health visitors act as a bridge between the healthcare system and families, while also fostering communities among mothers raising children of similar ages. Dr. Surján also acknowledged the dedicated work of school and hospital health visitors and the Family Protection Service, whose combined efforts make the Hungarian health visitor network a true hungarikum.
Marianna Várfalvi recalled that from its beginnings, the health visitor service was based on personal counseling in families’ homes, tailored to their individual needs. The President of the Professional Association of Hungarian Health Visitors (MVSzSz) emphasized that today there is no settlement in Hungary without a health visitor, and the service is available to everyone regardless of health insurance. She highlighted that the Association supports families’ health and well-being through family-friendly initiatives such as the “Fit Family” complex lifestyle pilot program and the “ReflectMom” board game, which promotes the mental health of mothers raising children aged 0–3.
