In the future, the Austrian Red Cross (ÖRK) will be able to provide free medicines to people who do not have health insurance. The government submitted a corresponding proposal to the National Council on Thursday. Civil society organizations estimate that more than 25,000 people could benefit from the new scheme.
“This group includes homeless people, students who have not provided proof of their achievements, people with an insecure job or without a valid residence permit. Children are often also affected (…),” the Red Cross said in a press release. People without health insurance often live in precarious circumstances, “above all they need good medical care (…)”, Minister of Social Affairs and Health Johannes Rauch (Greens) confirmed on Thursday.
Donations from pharmacies and manufacturers
The drugs come as donations from pharmacies, manufacturers and pharmaceutical wholesalers. In order to guarantee care nationally, the Red Cross will collaborate with other social organizations in the future. “We are pleased to be able to fulfill this task and would like to thank the federal government for implementing the necessary legal measures,” Red Cross President Gerald Creator said in a press release.
Source: Krone
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