By 2030 there will be a shortage of 90,000 nursing staff in Austria. In addition to Austrian personnel, one thing is needed above all: time, money, training places – and foreign skilled workers. “As much as possible,” says Volkshilfe director Erich Fenninger. Austria’s Schengen veto is increasingly deteriorating the healthcare situation. The solution could be asylum seekers who are trained for the healthcare sector. The care reform is a good first step, “but people generally think small”. What Fenninger means by that, he explains in a live talk with moderator Conny Winiwarter.
“It needs reform, not minor reform,” summarizes Fenninger. And a common orientation in Austria. The Court’s report shows that every nook and cranny is missing. And that means not only money and resources, but also target control. Because at the moment the federal states are responsible for the healthcare sector and its financing. The result: “Major differences in the healthcare landscape.”
Foreign professionals and asylum seekers: ‘As much as possible’
The fact is: we cannot cover the need for 90,000 nursing staff by 2030 with Austrian citizens. We need “as many” skilled workers from abroad as possible. He advocates simplifying the red-white-red card. Also in the pot of possibilities is the idea of enabling asylum seekers in Austria to receive nursing training – with the risk of being deported after the asylum procedure and not being able to get their work in Austria. “We can guess who will stay here,” says Fenninger. It would be “in Austria’s interest” if asylum seekers help with care.
More integration needed: “Don’t do the billing without the innkeeper”
De Volkshilfe under Fenninger wants to support Minister of Health Rauch (Greens) to make improvements possible. But the willingness to involve them in decisions is coming to an end. Last example: the controversial healthcare allowance. “It is strange that we do not sit down with the ministers and the states when it comes to operationalization,” says Fenninger. You have the expertise, know the structure and preconditions. He notes that Rauch is considering going it alone with health care reform because of the lack of progress in financial settlement negotiations: “Minister Rauch wants to take the consistent path.”
“It is always just small-minded thinking”
At this moment you do “the bill without the landlord”. Fenninger thinks it is positive “that it has been recognized that more money from the federal government needs to be brought into play”. According to the Volkshilfe director, there is more than enough potential for improvement. “People always think petty,” he criticizes. The republic and the finance minister should get carried away to get their hands on more money instead of just moving “a few millimeters”.
Call to politicians: ‘More time needed for people’
Healthcare currently works “according to the time and stopwatch principle”. Fenninger would like politicians to have more time for people. Then the job can become more attractive again.
You can see the entire interview with Erich Fenninger in the video above. KroneLIVE can be seen from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m.
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Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
