Csaba Dömötör has blamed the obstruction on "ideological warfare" and a "petty political deal" by those who were uninterested in how Olivér Várhelyi would develop Europe's health sector.
The committee hearing, he added, had been hijacked by the same people as a way to put Hungary under pressure for its stance on the war in Ukraine, migration and "family policy issues", he said.
The Fidesz MEP blamed EPP leader Manfred Weber, siding with the Hungarian opposition Tisza Party, for taking every opportunity "to attack Hungary" in revenge for having had his bid to become European Commission president derailed.
The move to hamper Várhelyi's appointment was "irresponsible", he said, as the commission had not got down to business almost half a year after the EU elections, he added.
Dömötör said Várhelyi has proven his credentials as a commissioner for the past five years, pointing out that the EP had approved his mandate once already.
Várhelyi spent three hours answering questions put to him in the committee hearing, and he displayed his detailed preparation and experience, Dömötör said.
Another committee hearing is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, he noted.