Success will depend on collaboration among government, healthcare professionals, patient groups, academia, and industry to translate shared goals into measurable outcomes; well-designed public health measures have already produced tangible results.

Improving health outcomes is a shared responsibility: Governments, healthcare providers, researchers, patient organizations, and the life sciences sector all have a role in building a healthier society. Thus, the development of comprehensive national health strategies should remain a priority for Hungary, says Keresztes.

He says several therapeutic areas would benefit from a more structured and coordinated approach, with oncology, cardiovascular diseases, and prevention among the most significant. During recent professional discussions, one recurring theme emerged clearly: lasting improvement requires broad consultation, defined milestones, accountable stakeholders, realistic timelines, and measurable objectives, Keresztes says.

With cancer remaining one of the most significant public health challenges in Hungary, scientific advances, emerging technologies, and changing patient needs require periodic renewal of strategic priorities. A modern oncology framework should focus on earlier diagnosis and treatment, equitable access to innovation, stronger screening participation, and a focus on prevention. Targeted action plans for lung, breast, and colorectal cancer, for example, could help deliver measurable improvement.

However, Keresztes says the greatest opportunity could lie in cardiovascular diseases and prevention. Recent healthcare discussions have highlighted opportunities to strengthen screening initiatives and to broaden participation in programs that can improve population health. That said, preventive efforts can only reach their full potential if supported by high-quality evidence, robust health data and responsible behavior from society, achieved through patient education and self-management. It’s also important to strengthen follow-up and patient tracking after surgery.

Reliable and Researchable

Reliable, researchable health data can help decision makers understand disease patterns, evaluate interventions, and allocate resources more effectively. The ongoing conversation surrounding secondary use of health data and the future of digital healthcare reflects a broader ambition: creating a healthcare system that continuously learns, adapts, and improves through digital tools, a mindset the European Health Data Space can help foster.

While it is uncommon for a country’s health data to highlight both challenges and demonstrate effective solutions clearly, Hungary’s example shows that well-designed public health measures can produce tangible results. The consequences of protecting non-smokers are undeniable.

“According to our recent study, both the incidence and mortality rates of smoking-related cancers in Hungary declined significantly among the middle-aged population between 2011 and 2023. For instance, among men aged 40–59, the incidence of smoking-related cancers decreased by more than 60%,” says Keresztes.*

The lesson is clear. When commitment is combined with evidence-based policymaking, broad cooperation, and defined goals, measurable improvement follows. Hungary has an opportunity to build on successes already achieved and to develop the next generation of strategies in oncology, cardiovascular disease, and prevention. The challenges facing healthcare are undoubtedly complex, but through collaboration and a shared vision, they can become opportunities to improve both population health and the long-term sustainability of the healthcare system, Keresztes argues.

* Kiss et al. Annals of Oncology (2026) 11 (suppl_3): 1-14. 10.1016/esmoop/esmoop106666

This article was made possible by MSD Pharma Hungary Kft., 1095 Budapest, Lechner Ödön fasor 10/B, +36-1-888-5300, [email protected], date of closing: 07/07/2026. HU-NON-02364

This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of July 17, 2026.