Chamber of Commerce and health insurer have different ideas about supply problems. The government must do more.
There are fewer panel doctors. Much to the chagrin of those who cannot afford private doctors. They make up more than half. The Austrian system is fragile. “More flexible structures are needed,” said Edgar Wutscher, Vice President of the Medical Association, after the “Krone” reported alarming numbers of general practitioners and panel doctors. National basic services are under threat.
“There must also be regional solutions”
The cabinet wants to solve the problem with more primary care centers (PVE). “It works in urban areas, but I cannot tell people in remote valleys that they have to drive 50 kilometers to the medical center. There must also be regional solutions,” says Tyrolean Wutscher. One of them is in close consultation with the health insurance company ÖGK “The profession is also becoming more and more feminine. Many have children. One must also be able to dedicate in the afternoon and the other in the morning.” Here, too, the government has to move and it is also hoped that the financial settlement between the federal and state governments will be dynamic.
ÖGK President Matthias Krenn: “We will also make additional progress with easier access to PVE.”
The contingency plan received support and criticism
All this can take time. Ingrid Korosec, chairman of the Senior Council, has been arguing for months for an emergency measure that is easy to implement. Health insurance doctors must be able to continue after the age of 70. “A scheme introduced 12 years ago when there was a surplus of doctors should be lifted if there is a shortage of doctors.” The medical association is on their side. Not the OGK. Vice-President Andreas Huss says: “In regions or topics where we have problems, that doesn’t help us.”
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.
