Local services
The Gondosóra program (Careful Watch Programme) initiated by the Government of Hungary has reached another milestone.
If they don’t have the free signalling device yet, Hungarian citizens over 80 will receive it without prior request.
Dr. Roland Juhász, CEO of the Government Service Centre Nonprofit Ltd., which is responsible for implementing the program, announced the news at a press conference held jointly with the Hajdú-Bihar County Government Office and the Deputy Mayor of Debrecen, Diána Széles, at the Thomas Mann Street Elderly Club in Debrecen on April 16, 2025.
The measure aims to make the support provided by the program and the device even more easily and quickly accessible to the oldest age group, providing assistance in health emergencies and other situations.
Gondosóra is a free, easy-to-use signalling device that directly connects to the dispatcher centre. The centre is available 24/7 with the press of a button. More than 750,000 citizens have received the device, which has saved lives in 40,000 cases and provided general assistance in nearly half a million cases.
Easier access to the Gondosóra program for those over 80
Dr. Roland Juhász, head of the program, said that the program initiated by the Hungarian government is a 21st-century Hungarian innovation, providing a unique opportunity for Hungarian elderly people as Hungary’s leading signalling device service in Europe. The program is entering a new phase in line with broad social needs. In April, citizens over 80 in Hajdú-Bihar County will receive the Gondosóra without prior request to make the safety net provided by the Gondosóra as easily accessible as possible for the older age group.”
Hajdú-Bihar County Government Office support the program
Dr. Krisztina Toma Árokné, Director General of the Hajdú-Bihar County Government Office, said that since January, registration for the free program has started nationwide at government offices. The success of this much-needed measure is evidenced by the fact that nearly 200 of the clients in Hajdú-Bihar have already chosen this new government service. She emphasised that they continue to welcome Hungarian citizens over 65 with a domestic address at the government office, in addition to the new measures announced.
Debrecen is committed to the safety of the elderly
Dr. Diána Széles, Deputy Mayor of Debrecen responsible for care policy, also attended the press conference. She stated that she would like the elderly and their relatives, who want to keep their elderly loved ones safer, to be aware of the significance of the opportunity to use the Gondosóra. In Debrecen, the elderly homes and clubs operated by the City Social Service have already tried to highlight the advantages of joining the program. The staff of the elderly club located at Thomas Mann Street 45 can provide specific assistance to those interested in filling out the application or getting acquainted with the device they have already received, and learning how to use it. She encouraged all affected individuals and their relatives to use the device and the service behind it, which can help in difficult situations.
Free and simple
The device is delivered by the Hungarian Post in all cases, and recipients only need to receive the package and place the device on the charger, which is necessary for activation. They should also initiate a test call for data verification and provide preferred contact persons. Relatives can monitor the safety of their loved ones through the free Gondosóra application. With simplified access to the program, hundreds of thousands of elderly Hungarian citizens nationwide will receive the device and access the free service as a matter of right. The operation of the dispatcher centre continues to be fully ensured in line with the increased number of users.
Registration for the program is still available online at gondosora.hu, via the toll-free number 0680 80 40 50, by mail, in person at government offices (Kormányablakok), libraries, and many pharmacies.
More information about the program can be found here: Gondosóra program
Source: Government Service Centre Nonprofit Ltd. | debrecen.hu
Photo credit: debrecen.hu
