Health care in Upper Austria: 24 million for new projects

Health care in Upper Austria: 24 million for new projects

In Upper Austria, an important meeting of the state goal control commission took place on Wednesday, in which decisive course was set for health care. In addition to representatives of the state of Upper Austria, social security, hospital operators and the medical association are also involved in this process. One of the central decisions concerned major investments in the infrastructure of the healthcare system, which must be continuously adapted in view of the demographic changes.

As part of this session, it was decided to provide 24 million euros for various construction projects in health care. In addition, 6.76 million euros flow into preventive measures. Health officer Christine Haberlander and Albert Maringer, the chairman of the state office of the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) in Upper Austria, informed about the details. These investments are of great importance to keep health care in Upper Austria at a high level.

investments in modern treatment facilities

The financial means are used for important projects in several hospitals. A PET-CT is replaced in the Linz Clinic (OKL) Merciful Sisters, which will cost 3.17 million euros. In addition, a new MR device for 1.75 million euros is purchased at the Wels-Grieskirchen Clinic. The hybrid surgery in the KH of the Merciful Brothers in Linz is also being rebuilt for 4.2 million euros, as is a container washer in the Kepler University Hospital for 2.9 million euros.

In addition, the eye day clinic is rebuilt by 2.7 million euros. Another important step is to convert and expand the PET-CT center in the OKL with total investments of 5 million euros. The adjustment of the preparation unit for medical devices in the same hospital also receives 1.8 million euros, while Patho Laborstraße in the Klinikum Vöcklabruck is renovated with 2.1 million euros.

Expansion of the primary care facilities

Another important point in the session was the planned expansion offensive of the primary care facilities (PVE) in Upper Austria. By April 2025, five new facilities in Vöcklabruck, Schärding, Perg, Linz-Belsberg and Wartberg-Unterweitersdorf will open. This represents significant progress because the first primary supply center in 2017 in Enns went into operation.

The health department also plans to further increase the number of PVE. The construction progress of three additional locations, including Wels St. Anna, Wels St. Stephan and Bad Ischl, is already promising. There are also basic resolutions for two other locations in Ansfelden and Linz Süd/Pichling. "The expansion in the established health insurance area is extremely important for relieving the hospitals," emphasized Haberlander and added that many young doctors would like to work in a team.

The exact time frame for the implementation of the new locations still depend on the legal and structural framework.

With regard to prevention, which is of crucial importance for the health of the population, Maringer announced that 6.76 million euros will be made available for various projects as part of the health promotion fund. These are available to all citizens to maintain instruments for a healthy life, starting with the youngest. The focus is on topics such as movement, healthy eating and psychological well -being.

Further information and details on these investments and measures are in one article by Volksblatt.at to be found.

by Michaela Ecklbauer