On Wednesday, the Council of Ministers decided to reform the mother-child passport, which was introduced in 1974. From January 2024, the prevention program will be renamed parent-child card and in 2026 the range will be expanded with additional offers during pregnancy and for newborns and a digital variant will be introduced. In June, the law on the parent-child passport must be passed in the National Council.
The new services include a health consultation at the start of pregnancy, a second voluntary midwife consultation before delivery and advice to parents. Additional hearing screening in newborns, an additional ultrasound, additional laboratory tests and nutritional and health advice for pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding or young parents are also made possible.
Rauch: “To prevent countless deaths”
Health Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens) praised the parent-child pass through the preventive medical checks as a “successful model”. “This is of particular benefit to those who otherwise would not be able to afford such studies.”
Raab: “Increase father participation”
Minister of Family Affairs Susanne Raab (ÖVP) emphasized the parental advice that is newly included in the provision offer. With this “we can provide parents and especially women with information for decisions when it comes to partnership division and increase father participation”.
Better documentation through digitization
The digitization of the preventive care program should in turn significantly improve the documentation of the research results, as findings can be easily transferred between the treating physicians and midwives via the electronic health record ELGA. The bill also provides for the use of the data for science and research while maintaining data protection.
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.
