November 7 is the official birthday of Semmelweis University – on this day 251 years ago, in 1769, Empress Maria Theresa added a medical faculty to the University of Nagyszombat (today Trnava, Slovakia), thus creating the legal predecessor of today’s Semmelweis University and launching medical training in Hungary. On the occasion of this anniversary and as part of its Family-Friendly University Program, the university is launching its Semmelweis Card Program, with every university citizen to receive their personal cards in the coming days.
The Semmelweis Card Program grants a broad range of discounts and extra services to the institution’s employees and students: these include a discount at university pharmacies, health care and health prevention services, programs supporting mental health, legal aid services and other areas, such as taking part in community physical activities organized by the university. With the card – taking into account epidemiological rules –, the range of sports, culture and other available discounts will also be expanded.
“Our goal with the Family-Friendly program is to make our university a place where in addition to professional development and recognition, our co-workers can also receive support to lead fuller personal lives,” said Dr. Béla Merkely. Semmelweis is a place where bringing up children is a value, and must become a place where the university as employer acts consciously to help its employees achieve a healthy work-life balance. “To this end, we plan in the future to implement various family support measures, flexible employment opportunities, as well as several medium-term development ideas,” the rector added.
Kata Adonicsné Püski, deputy director of the rector’s cabinet, emphasized that in addition to supporting their professional recognition and careers, it is crucial to provide employees with working conditions that promote a flexible harmony between work and raising a family. Beyond its economic benefits, this strengthens the university’s ability to retain staff as well as its situation on the job market.
For further information (in Hungarian) about the Semmelweis Card program, please visit the program’s website, where you can also find contact information. In addition, the English and German versions of the card website will also be available soon.
Ádám Szabó
Translation: Tamás Deme
Photo: Attila Kovács – Semmelweis University; Bálint Barta – Students’ Union; Illés Hollós
Featured image: freepik.com
