Another push: in view of the low vaccination rate, the Minister of Health, the Chamber of Pharmacists and the ÖGK, among others, are demanding that the more than 2,000 pharmacists trained for this purpose should also be allowed to vaccinate. The ÖVP and the Medical Association are strictly against it.
Austria is tired of vaccinations. That was the topic yesterday at an event organized by the Chamber of Pharmacists, the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK), patient advocates and senior representatives. A broad phalanx that advocates vaccination by pharmacists. There is prominent support from Health Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens), who was absent yesterday due to illness.
“It is an international success story,” argued chairman of the pharmacy chamber Ulrike Mursch-Edlmayr in the spirit of vaccination by her guild. ÖGK vice-chairman Andreas Huss said it was only a matter of time before resistance to it would break.
Also minister for the injection in pharmacies
More than 2,000 pharmacists have received training in vaccination according to international standards and this is also recognized by the vaccination committee. When asked, Rauch’s ministry said it was very hopeful that an agreement between pharmacies would be reached soon.
Why is the political policy failing when the issue has been on hold for a long time? We speak here of the coalition partner. The ÖVP. This would be blocking and so the issue would be postponed again and again in the Health Committee.
The Chancellor’s party supports the doctors
According to the experiences of patients and healthcare professionals, medical practices may not be able to offer sufficiently accessible options. This is also a reason for the low vaccination rate, says ÖGK boss Huss. But where does the general vaccine skepticism or fatigue come from? “This certainly also has something to do with Corona and the associated false information from various areas,” says Rauch’s ministry.
Medical Association retains monopoly
That is why extensive vaccination campaigns were launched. However, the medical association continues to hold on to its monopoly on injections. When asked by the “Krone”, chamber chairman Johannes Steinhart said. “The vaccination activity, which is not without reason also a medical activity, is much more than just an injection.” It is also about dealing with patients and quality. Steinhart’s colleague Rudolf Schmitzberger also sees it this way.
“When you are sick, you want to be treated by a doctor. And not from someone who has followed a rapid vaccination course.’ The Chamberlain would actually like to see more free offers, for example in vaccination programs for children. Or abolishing the deductible.
No opportunities but lack of willingness?
ÖVP health spokesman Josef Smolle is on the side of the medical association. “Pharmacists do a great job. But further training is necessary, because startle reactions can occur,” says Smolle, himself a doctor. Moreover, there is no lack of vaccination options in Austria, but rather a lack of willingness to vaccinate. Given these controversial positions, an amicable agreement seems far away.
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.
