For AIPM, it is a priority that patient organizations become active, well-prepared, and recognized stakeholders within the healthcare ecosystem. Patient organizations play a key role not only in representing patients’ interests, but also in shaping patient-centered healthcare, raising public awareness, and improving the quality of healthcare decision-making. Strengthening them is therefore not only a civil society objective, but a systemic one as well: a well-functioning, collaborative, and competent patient organization landscape contributes to a more effective healthcare system and greater patient trust.
In Hungary, however, many patient organizations operate with limited resources, often in isolation, and have few opportunities for structured knowledge sharing or effective advocacy. Therefore, AIPM aims to create platforms and programs that support community building, professional development, and collaboration, while also facilitating the meaningful involvement of patient organizations in decision-making processes.
One of the key pillars of this collaboration is the system of forums and programs operated by AIPM. These include professional platforms that enable regular dialogue, community events that foster knowledge exchange and networking, and various training programs. A cornerstone of structured cooperation is the ABEP (AIPM – Patient Organization Collaboration Platform), which provides a regular forum for joint thinking, setting priorities, and professional discussions.
This is complemented by patient organization meetups, which primarily support knowledge sharing, relationship building, and community strengthening, while also creating opportunities for collaboration between different organizations.
Capacity building is further supported through AIPM’s training programs. The Patient Organization Academy and the Expert Patient Advocacy Academy aim to strengthen organizational, communication, and advocacy skills, and prepare participants to engage effectively in professional and policy-making processes.
In addition, AIPM supports patient organizations through other tools as well: it enhances their visibility, provides opportunities to connect at professional forums, and encourages knowledge sharing and joint action.
The common goal of these initiatives is to ensure that patient organizations do not operate in isolation, but as part of a strong, collaborative network capable of effectively representing patients’ interests, contributing to decision-making, and playing an active role in the development of the healthcare system.
AIPM’s long-term vision is to foster a sustainable and professional patient organization ecosystem that is not only a participant, but also a driver of healthcare processes – thereby strengthening a patient-centered approach in Hungary.
Patient Organization Academy
The AIPM Patient Organization Academy offers a comprehensive training program with the aim of strengthening organizations representing patients’ interests. The purpose of the trainings is the organizational development of patient organizations, supporting their stable operation, and the acquisition of leadership skills. In achieving this goal, strengthening professional credibility, community building, and expanding international connections play an important role. The AIPM Patient Organization Academy provides practical support in leadership training, and also prepares participants for the effective management of their organization with legal, financial, and communication knowledge. Participating organizations also receive advice on practical issues such as, for example, preparing a financial plan.
“An inspiring environment from which any patient organization can come out as a winner!”
Violetta Dávid, Magyar Huntington Társaság
“It was so good and useful that if there were a second cohort, I would gladly enroll in that as well. Another positive impact of the Academy was that it brought patient organizations closer to each other.”
Dr. György Báthori, SzívSN Országos Betegegyesület
“I already had experience as a leader of a civil organization, but I still needed many specific skills on the patient organization side. I feel that the AIPM course perfectly filled this gap. The dedication and professionalism of the organizers and speakers were also inspiring!” –
Zsolt Németh, Magyar Williams Szindróma Társaság
The next level of the program is the Expert Patient Advocacy Academy, launched in January 2026, which is specifically built for participants who have already completed the basic training or have longer-standing experience in more established organizations and would like to represent patients’ interests more actively in health policy.
The aim of the Expert program is to enable experienced patient advocates to participate in healthcare decision-making at various levels in a prepared, credible way, supported by appropriate data. To achieve this, the training focuses on cooperation with the decision-making environment, negotiation techniques, and data-driven, professionally grounded argumentation. Participants gain an understanding of how the healthcare system operates and its decision-making mechanisms, and develop the skills necessary for effective advocacy in professional and policy forums.
The program places special emphasis on understanding the role of clinical trials and encouraging patient participation, thereby contributing to improved access to innovative therapies and strengthening a patient-centered approach.
Through this layered training system, AIPM aims not only to make patient organizations more stable in their operations, but also to help them become competent, recognized, and active participants in the Hungarian healthcare system, both in representing patients and in decision-making.