On-call pharmacy
In the middle of the night, when the city is wrapped in silence and most stores are closed, we may suddenly need medication. Whether it's a sudden headache, our child's fever, or an unexpected allergic reaction, the availability of on-duty pharmacies can be lifesaving at such times.
Why are on-duty pharmacies important?
On-duty pharmacies are pharmacies that remain available beyond regular opening hours, ensuring the public has access to essential medications. These pharmacies play a particularly important role in:
- Handling urgent cases: They provide immediate medication supply in the event of sudden illnesses or accidents.
- Support for chronic patients: Those who regularly take medication but, for some reason, were unable to obtain it in time can rely on on-duty pharmacies.
- Assistance for tourists and travelers: For those unfamiliar with local conditions, the availability of on-duty pharmacies can be especially important.
How do we find the nearest on-call pharmacy?
Today, there are several ways to find out about the availability of on-duty pharmacies:
Online search engines and applications
There are numerous websites and mobile apps that make it easy to find the nearest on-duty pharmacy. These tools are often GPS-based, providing accurate information about opening hours and availability.
Local governments and healthcare institutions
The websites of local governments, as well as information boards at hospitals and outpatient clinics, often include an up-to-date list of on-duty pharmacies.
Telephone information lines
In certain regions, telephone services provide information about on-duty pharmacies. These lines are typically available 24 hours a day and offer quick assistance.
What should we consider when visiting on-duty pharmacies?
- Identification document: Always carry a valid ID card or passport, especially if you want to fill a prescription medication.
- Prescription: For prescription medications, presenting the prescription is essential.
- Waiting time: Be prepared for longer waiting times at on-duty pharmacies, especially at night or on weekends.
- Price differences: During on-duty hours, medication prices may be higher than during regular opening hours.
The role of on-duty pharmacies in the community
On-duty pharmacies are not just pharmacies; they are also guardians of community health. Their role goes beyond dispensing medication: they provide advice, offer reassurance, and ensure that the public has access to basic healthcare at any time.
Summary
On-duty pharmacies play a vital role in society, ensuring that we can access the medications we need even in emergencies. It is important to be aware of their availability and related information so that we can act quickly and effectively when needed.
Today's on-duty pharmacies — where is open now?
The on-duty schedule changes weekly by settlement and by county, so it is always worth checking which pharmacy is open on the given day. The OGYP.hu on-duty pharmacy search shows the nearest open pharmacies based on your location, along with opening hours, address and phone number. This way you don't have to call around the area, a single search is enough.
During the day, in the evening and at the weekend the situation is different, so it is worth knowing what to expect:
- During the day (between 8:00–18:00): at this time most pharmacies are open, on-duty service is mainly needed if your own pharmacy is currently closed.
- In the evening (after 18:00): the designated on-duty pharmacy takes over the district's tasks, typically in the center of the city or the district.
- At the weekend and on public holidays: the on-duty service operates all day, but the designated pharmacy often changes, so weekend opening hours are worth checking separately.
A today's on-duty list works from data updated daily, the national on-duty list can also be viewed by county and settlement. If you don't know which pharmacy is responsible in your place of residence, you can also start from the nearest pharmacy search view.
On-duty or standby? What is the difference?
Pharmacy on-duty service and standby are two separate legal institutions, and it is precisely from this that most misunderstandings arise for the patient. On duty the pharmacy is open: the pharmacist works on site, the entrance is opened, and prescription-only medicines can also be dispensed. In standby the pharmacy is closed, but the pharmacist is available: if a patient appears, they are obliged to open and serve within 30 minutes at the latest after the signal.
In practice this means that if the pharmacy does not open immediately after ringing, it does not necessarily mean there is no on-duty service — it may be that you rang at a standby pharmacy. The exact schedule changes by settlement and by period, so the operation of the on-duty system and the currently valid rules are summarized in detail on the pharmacy on-call service page.
The designation is carried out by the state health organization (NNGYK), and the district schedule is prepared based on the data of local pharmacies. The on-duty system is therefore not a free decision of the pharmacies, but a mandatory public task — this is why it can happen that in a smaller settlement a different pharmacy provides the on-duty service each week.
How much is the on-duty fee in 2026?
For serving during on-duty hours, the pharmacy may charge an on-duty fee, the upper limit of which is 300 HUF + VAT. Calculated with 27% VAT, this is gross 381 HUF (300 HUF × 1.27 = 381 HUF). The fee appears itemized, separately on the receipt.
A few important details about the on-duty fee:
- The fee is for the serving payable, not added to the price of the medicine: the prices of medicines are regulated by authority, and they are not more expensive at night either.
- The fee can be charged even if you ultimately do not buy medicine, but you use the on-duty service.
- The amount of the on-duty fee and the rules for its application may change, so in a specific case the pharmacy's information is authoritative.
What should you take with you at night?
Preparing for the night on-duty service, a few things can significantly shorten the administration:
- Personal identification document and TAJ card — may be needed for dispensing prescription-only medicine.
- The prescription or the eRecept identifier, or the box of the previous medicine, so that the pharmacist can precisely identify the product.
- Medicine list (even as a photo on the phone) of the products taken regularly, together with the active substances.
- Payment option — bank card and cash as well, because not every payment method works in every on-duty pharmacy.
- Charged phone for using the search and for reaching the pharmacy.
In an urgent case, if the symptoms cannot be treated with medicine, do not look for the on-duty pharmacy: in this case the 112 emergency line or the on-duty medical care is the appropriate route.
Frequently asked questions about on-duty pharmacies
Where can I find the pharmacies on duty today?
The OGYP.hu on-duty pharmacy finder lists the open pharmacies based on your location, with opening hours and phone number. You can also search by settlement or county if you are in another city.
How much does on-call service cost in 2026?
Maximum 300 HUF + VAT, i.e. gross 381 HUF. The fee is payable for the service and does not affect the price of the medicines.
What is the difference between on-call duty and standby duty?
During on-call duty the pharmacy is open and the pharmacist works on site. During standby the pharmacy remains closed, but the pharmacist is available and is obliged to open within 30 minutes at the latest upon a patient's request.
Do they dispense prescription medicine at night?
Yes, the on-duty pharmacy also dispenses prescription medicines at night. It is worth calling ahead, because not every preparation is immediately in stock.
How often does the on-call schedule change?
The designation usually changes on a weekly basis, in a manner differing by settlement. Therefore it is worth looking at fresh data every time, rather than using the pharmacy remembered previously.
What to do if the nearest pharmacy is closed?
Check the next on-duty pharmacy in the search engine, or call the pharmacy listed — the on-call pharmacy opens upon ringing the bell.
Updated: September 2026