Semmelweis University rector's African trip draws scrutiny following resignation

Béla Merkely, the rector of Budapest's Semmelweis University, attended a hunting trip in Uganda alongside a business partner prior to an official hospital development project, according to local media reports. The excursion took place ahead of official events linked to the Mulago hospital development initiative, a nearly 800 million HUF project involving the university.

Reports indicate that an entrepreneur whose company contracted with Semmelweis University for the Ugandan project was present during the hunting event. Merkely confirmed participation in the hunting trip, maintaining that it was conducted at his own personal expense.

The revelations follow Merkely's unexpected resignation on November 5, which he attributed to trust issues regarding the university's Board of Trustees.

Sources: 444, HVG, Telex.