Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) continues to believe that the turquoise-green coalition will last until the end of the legislature, despite the irritation of the coalition partner after his “Speech on the Future of the Nation”. The Turkish head of government is not only opposed by the Greens with his skepticism about the climate crisis, but also with the obligation to work for graduates with a medical degree.
In his speech “On the Future of the Nation” on Friday, Nehammer said an additional 800 panelists would be needed by 2030 to effectively provide care across the city and country. He therefore spoke out for more study places, but also for compulsory employment. Those who complete their medical studies in Austria must “then give back to society for free a little of what they have used”. Because, according to the Chancellor: both German graduates in Austria and Austrian graduates in Germany prefer to stay there: “This is a development that makes no sense.”
How long this obligation should apply was not clear from Nehammer’s speech or from the ÖVP paper that was circulated about it. Secretary of State for Youth Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP) knew more on Tuesday and spoke in a five-year broadcast. “We invest 360,000 euros in each medical student. So I think the proposed obligation for medical students to practice in Austria for five years is an important one,” she said.
Medical allowances related to professional duty?
The Greens want nothing to do with it. Improving the overall situation in the health professions would be more effective, health spokesman Ralph Schallmeiner stressed. He also believes that medical grants are more effective in the short term. In this model, students receive funding for their studies but voluntarily commit to work as panelists or in a hospital for a specified period of time. Until now, however, this was only available in Lower Austria, Burgenland, Styria and Tyrol. In addition, the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) and the Armed Forces provide medical scholarships.
Health Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens) made a similar statement in February. It is conceivable that he will create privileged access to medical studies for those who are committed to public health care for a period of time, he said. In any case, a general and Austria-wide professional obligation would be possible under European law, EU lawyer Walter Obwexer from the University of Innsbruck explained in the “Morgenjournal”.
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.
