Hackers under pressure: Where is the promised billion dollar money for Vienna's health?

Hackers under pressure: Where is the promised billion dollar money for Vienna's health?

Laimgrubengasse 10, 1060 Wien, Österreich - Vienna faces a financial dilemma! City Councilor Peter Hacker (SPÖ) has announced an ambitious investment program of 3.3 billion euros for the improvement of the Viennese community hospitals. But how the freedoms under Wolfgang Seidl are criticized is unclear where the money should come from. Seidl describes Hackers promise as "empty health insurers" and demands realistic financial planning in order not only to leave the enormous promises, but also to create sustainable solutions for the Viennese population that suffer from long waiting times and lack of personnel. "Before Hacker writes billions in the air, he should first explain where the money should actually come from," said Seidl.

The debate about the health system is reinforced by a request from LAbg. Georg Prack (Greens) to repay the living bonus 2023. Deputy Governor Kathrin Gaál (SPÖ) pointed out that lower incomes are disproportionately affected by inflation and that the living bonus should provide relief. In the summer of 2023, 620,100 households received a total of 200 euros, with reclaims took place in 48,899 cases. The city of Vienna also invests in the infrastructure to ensure a high level of services such as water and waste disposal. Financial City Councilor Peter Hanke (SPÖ) emphasized the need to valorize the fees in order to meet the high quality of life of the Viennese.

investments in health and the future

The focus of current city policy is also on the modernization of the health sector. LAbg. Dr. Claudia Lashan (SPÖ) presented a plan for which several billion euros are to be invested by 2030 in order to modernize community hospitals and to train a sufficient number of nurses. While there are many progress in urban areas, the defects in basic care are obvious. Lashan reported a blatant lack of cash practices, especially in poorer districts, which is a challenge for the city. Seidl expressed concerns about the implementation of these ambitious plans and the lengthy waiting time in the healthcare system: "One thing is certain: the Viennese are the victims of the failed SPÖ policy".