The population of Austria has grown by half a million in the past ten years. On the other hand, there are more than 350 missing positions for health insurance physicians. One possible solution: primary care (PVE). “The centers are becoming handicapped. You pass the balls and the victims are the patients and doctors,” says Ingrid Korosec (ÖVP), president of the Seniors Association and Viennese health spokeswoman for her party. Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens) now wants to triple the number of PVEs: “If everyone does their best does, you can,” says Korosec in a live conversation with Conny Winiwarter.
A PVE guarantees “integral care” and would guarantee the provision, especially in rural areas. Panel doctors are especially sought after. Nevertheless: Korosec takes a positive view of elective doctors – “if you can really choose”. Today, many people have no other choice, according to the health spokeswoman. The advantage is obvious: “You could go to a PVE with an e-card.”
“Centers are obstructed”
At the moment there are 39 PVEs, in 2021 that number should rise to 75. On Thursday, Health Minister Rauch announced that there should be 121 such facilities in Austria by 2025. “I am grateful to Minister Rauch for this initiative,” says Korosec. She is optimistic: ,,I trust that he is behind it.” The doctors’ association must also be debunked. Until now they had the right to veto the PVE – which they were happy to use.
“At 65 you are still young today”
According to Korosec, one answer to the shortage of skilled labor is “to adjust the actual retirement age to the legal age”. Men currently work on average until the age of 61, but the actual retirement age is 65 years. Employers must keep people in work for longer. “But the employees must also show a willingness to continue their studies.” What needs to be abolished urgently is the partial granting of pensions.
The fact that people have to retire at 65 is a thorn in Korosec’s side: “You can start a new life at 65.” Many would like to work longer – “voluntarily”. That too must be made more attractive, for example through “changes in wage tax”.
You can see the entire interview with Ingrid Korosec in the video above.
How important do you think the tripling of primary care facilities is? Is it good that the medical association loses its right of veto? Comment with us!
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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.
