Ügyeletes

Ügyeletes is a Hungarian term used as an adjective and, in some contexts, as a noun to designate a person or service that is on duty or on call. The word derives from ügyelet, meaning duty, watch, or on-call obligation, and the suffix -es, which forms the sense of "on duty" or "on call."

In healthcare, ügyeletes commonly refers to staff who are available outside regular hours. An ügyeletes orvos is a physician who can provide urgent care during evenings, nights, or holidays, outside the standard practice hours. Hospitals maintain ügyeleti osztály and coordinate emergency services with on‑call teams to ensure continuous patient care. The term also appears in phrases such as ügyeleti szolgálat and ügyeleti ellátás, describing the after-hours medical coverage.

The concept is also used for services that must operate beyond normal hours. An ügyeletes gyógyszertár is a pharmacy designated to be open during nights and holidays to serve urgent needs. Such after-hours arrangements are often organized on a rotating or scheduled basis to guarantee 24/7 availability in a region or city.

Beyond medicine, ügyeletes can describe staff responsible for immediate response in other sectors, such as law enforcement or civil protection, for example ügyeletes rendőr or ügyeleti szolgálat. In all cases, the term emphasizes readiness and availability to respond to emergencies or time-sensitive needs outside standard operating times.

English equivalents include on-duty, on-call, or standby, depending on the context. The concept is common in Hungary’s public and healthcare systems, where continuous coverage is essential.