New primary care units in Wels: A step against a shortage of doctors

New primary care units in Wels: A step against a shortage of doctors

In an important initiative to improve health care, the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK), in collaboration with the state of Upper Austria and the Upper Austrian Medical Association, has announced that it will actively counteract the shortage of doctors in Wels. Two new primary care units (PVE) will be opened in the city next year to provide the population with more accessible healthcare.

Albert Maringer, Chairman of the ÖGK State Office Committee in Upper Austria, explained that these new facilities will expand the existing network of eleven primary care units in Upper Austria. “In this way, we are creating a sustainable offer that specifically addresses the needs of the people in the region,” says Maringer.

Details of the new supply centers

The first primary care center, Wels St. Anna, will open on January 1, 2025. An interdisciplinary team consisting of four doctors as well as specialists from physiotherapy, clinical psychology, psychotherapy, social work and speech therapy will work intensively here. The second center, Wels St. Stephan, will launch at the end of 2025 with a six-person health team. Elisabeth Manhal, member of the ÖVP state parliament, expressed optimism that these measures will not only modernize the care landscape, but also relieve the burden on employees in existing hospitals.

The importance of these new openings is particularly clear due to the current challenges in the healthcare sector. Wolfgang Ziegler, chairman of the resident doctors in the Upper Austria Medical Association, noted: “The two new PVE in Wels now bring a noticeable improvement,” especially in a district in which there were a total of seven unfilled general practitioner positions by October 1, 2024. This is a significant step towards ensuring medical care in the region.

Support from the city

Klaus Schinninger, deputy mayor of Wels and health officer, explained that the city is not only active in providing financial support for the establishment of the new units, but also wants to ensure that supply remains guaranteed in the long term. In addition to primary care, the Wels-Grieskirchen Clinic will offer another option for general medical care.

The development of these new primary care centers is closely related to the growing need for medical care in Wels. The initiators hope that these measures will not only increase the number of available doctors, but also significantly improve the quality of care for all Wels residents. Further information is available in a report www.meinkreis.at to find.