Eurotransplant visits Hungary
Eurotransplant cooperates with 8 member states. Recently in November 2025 a visit was paid to member state Hungary by the Eurotransplant Board of Management.
“We are very grateful for your visit to Hungary, which is an important step forward in our cooperation that began with our full membership 12 years ago.” - Dr. Sándor Mihály, PhD, Director of transplantation, Honorary College Associate Professor at Semmelweis University, General Secretary of the Hungarian Transplant Society.
The Eurotransplant directors were appointed at Eurotransplant one year ago and will travel regularly for in-person meetings with representatives of all member states. In this first round, they met with the main collaboration contact, the national and procurement coordinators of the Organ Coordination Office. The newest Hungarian transplantation center of the Semmelweis University, Department of Chest Surgery, based in the National Institute of Oncology and responsible for lung transplantation - was also visited. Furthermore, a meeting with the State Secretary for Health in the Ministry of Interior to present Eurotransplant’s structure, allocation system, vision, mission, and strategy was on the program. The meeting was led by Dr. Péter Takács, State Secretary for Health, and Judit Bidló, Deputy State Secretary, where all seven Hungarian transplantation center leaders or representatives also attended and the HNBTS Director of Transplantation.
Photo courtesy of Hungarian National Blood Transfusion Service
“This cooperation is very beneficial for patients in urgent need of a new organ. It is also of the highest importance for those patients with specific needs. For this group and for example children and patients with a high risk of organ rejection, having access to a large donor pool really matters.” - Erwin de Buijzer, MD, MBA, Medical director Eurotransplant.
In the meetings thorough explanations and insights were presented for a more in depth understanding of the Hungarian legislative framework, structure, and centralized donor coordination system. Together we are stronger to further develop this international organ exchange network for the benefit of waitlisted patients in need of a life-saving transplant.