Vienna addiction clinic at a crossroads: future uncertain after sale

Vienna addiction clinic at a crossroads: future uncertain after sale

In recent months, Vienna's Anton Proksch Institute, one of Europe's most renowned addiction clinics, has made headlines. Since its redesign in September, which was accompanied by a diverse range of therapies, the institute has been facing an uncertain future: the healthcare provider Vamed is planning to sell the institute. The clinic currently treats around 250 patients, with a primary focus on alcohol and other addictions.

The location in Vienna-Liesing, which was recently renovated, is not only known locally, but also has national significance. Vamed holds 60 percent of the shares, while 40 percent belongs to the Anton Proksch Foundation, which is supported by the City of Vienna and the Chamber of Labor, among others. There were intense discussions in the industry about Vamed's intentions to sell the institute.

Sales development

In the spring it became known that Vamed wanted to sell the institute along with 20 other rehabilitation facilities to the French private equity company PAI. Despite public outcry, particularly from German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, who described the fund as a “grasshopper,” the sale was partially withdrawn. As of October 1, a total of 14 institutions were transferred to PAI, while seven institutions, including the Anton Proksch Institute, were not sold. With the recently received notarial deed, legal steps are now in progress to finally complete the sale.

The possibility that the Anton Proksch Foundation could acquire the Vamed share itself exists, but is still uncertain. The city of Vienna could probably take the lead and possibly integrate the clinic into the Vienna Health Association. This variant could mean fundamental changes for the clinic and, however, also brings with it challenges, as the institute was under a listed investor and could now be bought up by, among other things, unlisted companies.

Economic challenges

The Anton Proksch Institute had to record a financial loss of 840,000 euros last year, largely due to the renovation work. The daily rate for patients is covered by social insurance, but the institute has to fight to fill the beds sufficiently. Maintaining a stable patient occupancy rate is crucial in order to secure the clinic's economic basis and ensure the quality of its offerings.

The pressure on the clinic has also increased due to rumors about possible buyers such as the Vinzenz Group or other players from the healthcare sector. While such acquisitions are often aimed at maximizing profits, employees express concerns that it could negatively impact the quality of patient care. “We used to be much more of a rehabilitation facility and have now become much more of a hospital,” reports an employee about the change in treatment practice.

In this context, City Councilor for Health Peter Hacker has expressed concerns that the change in ownership could focus on profitability and not on the well-being of patients. Employees advocate for a takeover by the city or nonprofits and demand that facilities that only seek short-term profits be excluded from the health care market.

The next phase will be crucial for the future of the Anton Proksch Institute. The actors involved, both public and private, are required to find a solution that both ensures patient care and does justice to the interests of employees. Let's wait and see how the situation develops and what decisions are made to maintain the important work of this addiction clinic.