A survey of 1,000 Austrians by the Medical Association points to open wounds in our healthcare system.
One thing is clear: Austria has one of the best healthcare systems of any country with medical professionals enjoying a worldwide reputation. But citizens are very concerned that we will soon no longer be able to afford it. After two years of the pandemic, the topic is at the top of the public agenda (see also graph), especially among the 60+ generation.
Months of waiting
The dire shortage of panel doctors is felt by every entrant who is looking for a specialist with complaints. Either the patient waits weeks or even months for an appointment, or he digs into his own pocket.
While other major investments are publicly discussed, such as in the military, more than half of those surveyed want the federal government to spend more on health care, according to a survey by opinion research institute Hajek. This is followed by social and care issues, before climate protection. Investments in national defense can only yield something from eight percent. That may be because we feel quite safe in a supposedly neutral country.
A wake-up call for health policy
“If six out of ten respondents now say that the health system is going in the wrong direction, I wonder what wake-up call health policy in this country still needs,” criticizes Erik R. Huber, vice president of the Vienna Medical Association , the system. The precariousness of the situation is illustrated by the fact that nearly half of those surveyed have visited an elective doctor’s office in the past six months. Eight out of ten elective physician patients have submitted their fee bills to their health insurer.
Surcharge outside opening hours
“In general, more resources are needed for health, not an even stronger shift of responsibility between the federal government, the states and the health insurers,” Huber continued. Another problem is the supply of medicines. For the sick patient, an odyssey often begins after the doctor’s visit. A hefty surcharge applies outside opening hours. That’s why, according to the survey, 69 percent vote in favor of receiving their prescription medication directly from the doctor they trust. In addition, 38 percent can imagine having certain treatments performed in an ordination instead of in a hospital.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
