Health system in crisis mode: Schumann fights for reforms!

Health system in crisis mode: Schumann fights for reforms!

The new Social Minister Korinna Schumann from the SPÖ presented her plans to relieve the overburdened health system in an exciting ZIB 2 round at her first government meeting, even if her topics were not on the agenda at the meeting. Despite a lack of experience in the private sector, she brings valuable political expertise as Minister for Social Affairs, Labor and Health. “I have been aware of all the agendas and developments in social policy - I definitely have the experience,” explained Schumann, while she campaigned to rebuild trust in the health system, which also suffers from long waiting times for doctor’s appointments Kosmo reported.

One of Schumann's central concerns is the demand for a legal right to a doctor's appointment within 14 days, a promise that was made during the election campaign but has not yet been anchored in the government program. To relieve the burden on overcrowded outpatient clinics, she suggests expanding primary care centers (PVZ) and rejects an outpatient fee in order not to place an additional burden on the population. “People have experienced a lot of burdens, another fee would not be the right way,” she said, but emphasized that an increase in the PVZ by 20 to 30 could have a positive effect in relieving the burden on medical practices Courier reported.

Vaccination policy and pension reforms in focus

Schumann also commented on vaccination policy and urged an increase in willingness to vaccinate, especially for older people. She spoke about the expensive vaccination against shingles, which could potentially become a health insurance benefit, and appealed to the population: “Please get yourself and your children vaccinated.” She also reiterated her stance on pensions, pointing out that raising the statutory retirement age does not make sense, while a gradual reform for women is on the horizon by 2033.

When it comes to educational leave, Schumann announced that he would develop a new model for people with lower qualifications, but this has not yet been detailed. “It will be on the table shortly,” she assured, before addressing the critical discussion about compulsory vaccination during the corona pandemic and admitting the government’s mistakes in the past. However, Schumann remains optimistic and looks to future changes in the law to deal with the pandemic.