The Municipality of Józsefváros is committed to improving the health of district residents and reducing health inequalities.
The health of the people of Józsefváros is a shared interest for all of us: a healthier population is more active in all areas of life, healthcare and social costs decrease, and the community’s overall well-being and attractiveness improve.
The goal of the Municipality is to support residents in maintaining their health and to make a healthier life accessible to everyone.
This is why the Józsefváros Health Strategy has been developed, defining the goals and tools with which we aim to work over the next four years to improve the health of residents.
Read the AI translation of the document here:
How can the Municipality help?
Not all healthcare institutions fall directly under the Municipality, which means there are areas where intervention opportunities are limited.
However, the Józsefváros Szent Kozma Health Centre (JEK) and the general practitioners’ offices play a key role, as municipal objectives can be implemented directly in these settings.
More information on the local healthcare institutions here: https://jozsefvaros.hu/english/news-in-the-district/2024/02/jozsefvaros-in-english-useful-information-about-the-8th-district-in-budapest/#health-care
During the implementation of the strategy, the Municipality strives for close cooperation with all relevant stakeholders: local residents, general practitioners, the JEK, the health visitor service, as well as other healthcare and social institutions operating in the district, and with civil organisations, churches, and businesses.
What problems does the strategy address?
The strategy is based on real local data, needs, and experiences. Relying on the Budapest Institute’s research, numerous expert interviews, and a residents’ survey conducted by the Community Participation Office, the Municipality has identified the areas requiring particular attention.
The most important health challenges in the district:
- Mortality due to cardiovascular, respiratory, and cancer-related diseases is significantly higher than the national average.
- Respiratory-related hospital admissions are exceptionally common.
- Many residents face difficulties accessing primary care (e.g. they are not registered with a general practitioner, or their social insurance status is not in order).
- Certain areas of outpatient specialist care (JEK) lack sufficient capacity, reducing service uptake. Long waiting times, lack of available appointments, and overworked physicians are also typical.
- Access to medication is not ensured for everyone.
- In the field of reproductive health, indicators are unfavourable (high number of abortions, low contraceptive use, frequent premature births, and low birth weight).
- There is high demand for free screening tests; however, appointments are limited and many residents lack the necessary information. As a result, many miss important screenings, such as mammography.
- Many residents have insufficient knowledge about vaccinations, and clear, targeted information is lacking.
- In the area of mental health, the need for psychological counselling, addiction services, and lifestyle-support programmes is increasing, while current availability is limited.
What does the strategy propose to address these problems?
The Health Strategy of the Municipality of Józsefváros aims to improve the quality of life and healthy life expectancy of district residents. To achieve this, it defines the following goals.
Increasing the life expectancy of Józsefváros residents
The strategy aims to reduce preventable deaths and increase the proportion of years spent in good health. To this end, the Municipality defines:
- launching targeted health communication campaigns;
- organising community health-promotion programmes;
- supporting health education in nurseries, kindergartens, and schools;
- making screening days regular;
- encouraging participation in screening examinations;
- supporting vaccination programmes.
Addressing key public health disease groups
The strategy places special emphasis on supporting early diagnosis and treatment of residents living with chronic illnesses. To achieve this, the Municipality plans:
- supporting the early detection of chronic diseases by encouraging general practitioners and acquiring necessary diagnostic and informational materials;
- supporting existing patient clubs and self-help groups, and encouraging the formation of new ones.
Improving mental health and well-being
The mental health of residents is just as important as their physical health. The strategy aims to strengthen psychological well-being and support those facing mental health challenges. It proposes:
- organising community programmes, stress-management, relaxation, self-awareness, and conflict-resolution trainings;
- informing residents through awareness-raising campaigns and communication materials;
- supporting the development of mental health services in kindergartens and schools.
Improving care for vulnerable groups
The strategy pays special attention to vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, who often face more difficulties accessing healthcare services. To support them, the Municipality plans:
- helping residents regularise their social insurance status by providing clear information and administrative support;
- bridging the communication gap between vulnerable groups and the healthcare system through the employment of health mediators;
- developing programmes supporting the physical and mental well-being of elderly residents and encouraging screenings for older adults;
- continuing the physical and infocommunication accessibility improvements of municipal institutions;
- improving access to the healthcare system for foreigners.
Supporting reproductive and sexual health
The strategy aims to reduce inequalities in reproductive and sexual health and to support equal access to services and information. To achieve this, it sets out the following necessary actions:
- making access to different contraceptive methods free or more affordable for residents in need;
- making emergency contraception free of charge;
- launching comprehensive youth education programmes on sexuality, contraception, sexually transmitted infections, responsible relationships, the prevention of sexual abuse, and family planning;
- ensuring confidential counselling opportunities for young people;
- cooperating with local healthcare providers to improve the quality of maternity care;
- making HIV and syphilis screenings more widely accessible for pregnant women;
- providing prenatal vitamins to pregnant residents in need.
Developing primary and specialist care
The strategy also aims to improve the quality, accessibility, and efficiency of primary care and outpatient specialist care. To achieve this, the Municipality plans:
- developing the infrastructure of general practitioners’ offices through renovations and the acquisition of modern diagnostic equipment;
- supporting the capacity expansion of the Józsefváros Szent Kozma Health Centre (JEK) to reduce waiting lists and expand free screening opportunities;
- organising free training and mental health support programmes for healthcare professionals;
- developing the local incentive system and contractual model for general practitioners;
- employing healthcare and public health assistants;
- providing additional leave providing or extra time off during working hours for employees of its own institutions and companies to attend health screenings and examinations, and ensuring that they are not disadvantaged when taking sick leave;
- reconsidering the boundaries of GP districts to ensure legal compliance;
- developing a protocol to harmonise the professional work of general practitioners and outpatient specialist care;
- organising a doctor recruitment campaign.
Developing a health-supportive environment
A healthy life is not only determined by individual decisions, but also by the environment in which we live. For this reason, the strategy proposes:
- reducing traffic-related air pollution to improve air quality;
- developing and expanding green spaces and making them more accessible;
- supporting a healthy residential environment through public information and continuing the renovation programme of municipal rental housing;
- improving public cleanliness.
Transparent follow-up of the goals and measures defined in the strategy is an important objective for the Municipality, which is why it proposes establishing a Health Roundtable.
Share your opinion!
The Józsefváros Health Strategy is currently undergoing public consultation.
Share your opinions and suggestions!
How can you share your opinion?
- Online: fill out the questionnaire here by 12 February, 2026: https://reszvetel.jozsefvaros.hu/kerdoiv/share-your-opinion-on-the-jozsefvaros-health-strategy/
- In person: using the questionnaires available at the Customer Service Office of the Mayor’s Office (66–68 Baross utca).
Join the public forum as well!
We are holding an English-language public forum where, in addition to discussing the strategy, residents will also have the opportunity to ask healthcare-related questions to professional and political leaders.
Date: to be determined
Location: to be determined
The event is public and open to residents without prior registration.
What happens after the consultation?
During the public consultation period, a professional forum will also be held, where healthcare workers and experts will discuss the planned measures so that their feedback can also be incorporated into the strategy.
After the public and professional consultation, the Municipality will process the submitted opinions and proposals, and then decide whether to accept, partially accept, or reject each proposal.
In all cases, the decision will be justified.
Afterward, the Local Council will decide on the strategy. Once the decision has been made, the final strategy and the summary of the consultation results will be published on jozsefvaros.hu.
Any further questions?