The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center of the University of Szeged has undergone a major infrastructure renewal. As part of the investment, both the Outpatient Care Center, which provides general and specialist gynecological care, and the Feto-Maternal Center, dedicated to prenatal services and fetal genetic ultrasound diagnostics, have been fully refurbished. The more than 500-square-meter development included the creation of 15 modern examination rooms, redesigned waiting areas, and the introduction of a new IT system. The HUF 150 million project was financed entirely by the University. A key outcome of the renovation is that all outpatient services are now located on the ground floor of the Department, supporting smoother patient pathways and a more accessible, higher-quality care environment.
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| Renovated facilities at SZTE’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Photo gallery by Dávid Miskolci |
Cutting-edge developments on an international scale
In his welcome address at the ceremonial opening, Prof. Dr. László Rovó, Rector of the University of Szeged, noted that the University can point to a growing number of developments of similar scale and significance. “Last week, we inaugurated the renovated oncology department at the hospital in Szentes, equipped with new machines and advanced imaging technologies – and this will not be the last opening this spring,” he said.
The Rector added that the latest investment also clearly demonstrates how the University’s transition to a foundation-based model has opened up new funding opportunities and created momentum for further developments of this kind.
Photo by Dávid Miskolci
Professor Rovó also stressed that investments such as this one at the Clinical Center are essential if the Southern Great Plain region of Hungary is to deliver healthcare at a nationally leading standard. He added that progress is continuing in a strategic and carefully planned manner across the institution, extending well beyond the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. “Without exaggeration, I can say that in fields such as cardiology, we will soon rank among the world’s leading centers, just as we already do in oncology,” he said. “I am also very proud that we are laying strong foundations for future research – innovation is one of the cornerstones of our development.” As an example, he pointed to the upcoming inauguration of one of the world’s most advanced cryo-electron microscopy systems, expected to provide a stable platform for cutting-edge research in materials science and pharmaceutical development.
Prof. Dr. László Rovó. Photo by Dávid Miskolci
Renewing a historic clinical legacy
Dr. Judit Fendler, Chancellor of the University of Szeged, highlighted that the clinic’s buildings in Szeged form part of the legacy of Kuno Klebelsberg, the minister whose vision led to the establishment of the city’s four core clinics – internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and surgery – in the 1920s. She noted that the renovation of these historic facilities represents a major undertaking.
“We are renovating the clinical buildings step by step, gradually modernizing them to meet today’s standards in every respect,” the Chancellor said.
Dr. Judit Fendler added that the University’s healthcare infrastructure has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. The former surgical clinic, for example, was redeveloped into the Banga Ilona Health Sciences Training Center through an investment of more than HUF 9 billion, while a modern extension at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology has created 21st-century conditions for patient care and education. In addition, together with ongoing upgrades at the Department of Internal Medicine, the opening of new operating rooms at the Department of Pediatrics marks another major step forward, following developments worth around HUF 8 billion in recent years.
“At the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, a decade of carefully planned development has already brought substantial progress. The neonatal intensive care unit has been renovated, and several smaller units have also been upgraded through a combination of grant funding and university support. The next major milestone in this process will be the complete modernization of the gynecological surgical block,” the Chancellor said.
Dr. Judit Fendler. Photo by Dávid Miskolci
As Prof. Dr. László Rovó noted, the upgrade of the operating rooms will complete a development program launched at the start of his rectorship to elevate the University of Szeged’s Clinical Center to a truly 21st-century, internationally competitive level. He also announced that robot-assisted surgery will be introduced at the University’s clinics in July with the installation of one of the most advanced da Vinci surgical systems. This is particularly significant for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, which is expected to be among the primary beneficiaries of the new technology, especially in the field of pelvic surgery. The Rector added that this marks only the beginning, as the University plans to acquire additional systems in the coming months.
Simplified patient pathways, more efficient care
In his welcome address, Prof. Dr. Szabolcs Várbíró, Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center of the University of Szeged, said that the modernization of the Outpatient Care Center and the Feto-Maternal Center represents a clear and timely response to rising patient numbers and growing demand for advanced diagnostic services. He described the development as both a structural and conceptual step forward – one that will shape the clinic’s operations and the quality of patient care for years to come.
“We are grateful to the University’s leadership for their strategic support and trust. The fact that this project was implemented using the University’s own resources clearly demonstrates the institution’s commitment to advancing clinical care,” the Director said.
Prof. Dr. Szabolcs Várbíró. Photo by Dávid Miskolci
Professor Várbíró added that the investment has resulted in the creation of a modern, well-organized environment where patient pathways are easier to navigate and care delivery is more transparent and efficient. “The opening of the Feto-Maternal Center and the renewal of the Outpatient Care Center mark a major milestone for the clinic. Together, they provide a strong foundation for delivering top-level gynecological and fetal diagnostic care in the region, while enabling us to raise our professional standards even further,” he said.
Ceremonial key presented at the opening of the Outpatient Care Center at SZTE’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Photo by Dávid Miskolci
“In recent years, the University has demonstrated that the spirit of Albert Szent-Györgyi lives on in its commitment to knowledge, innovation, and social responsibility. Our mission remains unchanged: to educate knowledgeable and responsible individuals who will apply their expertise for the benefit of society – a mission we continue to pursue with the utmost dedication,” the Rector said in closing.
Original Hungarian article by Tímea Fülöp
Feature photo: Prof. Dr. Szabolcs Várbíró, Prof. Dr. László Rovó, and Dr. Judit Fendler. Photo by Dávid Miskolci
