Health reform: pharmacies are calling for a stronger role in patient care

Health reform: pharmacies are calling for a stronger role in patient care

As part of the current discussion about health care in Austria, pharmacists demand a powerful say in patient steering. Ulrike Mursch-Edmayr, President of the Austrian Chamber of Pharmacists, critically commented on the digital orientation of the new health program. In their opinion, non -medical health professions, especially the pharmacies, were disregarded in the development, while significantly more opportunities for optimization provide. According to a report by vienna.at , Mursch-Edlmayr required the introduction of a nationwide preventive account for all Austrians to ensure access to important preventive examinations.

In addition, she emphasized that last year over 5,000 diabetes tests were carried out in cooperation with pharmacies and the state of Carinthia. Numerous cases of prediabetes and diabetes were identified and passed on to corresponding medical facilities. Such preventive measures could not only promote the health of the population, but also save significant costs for the health system, whereas the price of a simple blood sugar test is only around 25 euros.

telemedicine and digital contact points

The Chamber of Pharmacists sees the possibility of establishing pharmacies as the first point of contact for patients and integrating them into digital patient service. Mursch-Edmayr called for the introduction of telemedical options in pharmacies to provide patients more efficiently, especially in outskirts. At this position, the President of the Medical Association, Johannes Steinhart, also expressed himself, who, however, underlined the importance of a medical expertise. Our requirements should be discussed as part of a collaboration of all health professions to ensure the best possible care. As puls24.at should be able to forward patients to doctors or suitable telemedical offers.

The future of health care will be opened with the planned amendment to the law, which enables extended services in pharmacies, also in terms of new horizons in terms of tests and vaccinations. Mursch-Edlmayr was optimistic about the upcoming implementation of new health services that the pharmacies can integrate as part of patient steering. In view of the challenges in front of which the health system is facing, coordinated cooperation of all those involved is of crucial importance in order to meet the needs of the patient as best as possible.