Vienna health system in the crisis: ÖVP demands urgent reforms!

Vienna health system in the crisis: ÖVP demands urgent reforms!

The Wiener ÖVP launched the "Operation: Health System" initiative in the run-up to the upcoming Vienna election. Party leader Karl Mahrer and the health spokeswoman Ingrid Korosec express clear concerns about the current situation in the Vienna health system. They emphasize that the city government ignores the crisis in the healthcare system of small speech and constructive criticism, while the overload of the hospitals continues to increase. With his allegations, Mahrer is aimed particularly at the move of 200,000 people from third countries since 2010, which put considerable pressure on the existing resources.

In addition to the existing problems, such as the historically high waiting times in outpatient clinics and for planned operations, inefficient use of operating halls is criticized. In order to meet these challenges, the ÖVP calls for a technical, personnel and organizational realignment of the city government. A central concern is the digitization of the health system. " vienna.at " reports that the ÖVP is planning the expansion of the health hotline 1450 in order to better control patient flows and to reduce waiting times.

claims to improve the health system

The main claims of the ÖVP are aimed at the comprehensive expansion of the Hotline 1450, which will also be used for appointment bookings and telemedicine in the future. These measures could save up to 2.4 billion euros annually. "We want to avoid that around nine million outpatient visits are necessary," continued Mahrer. The two politicians attach great importance to attracting job profiles in healthcare through higher salaries and better appreciation for employees.

The planned investments in prevention and provision should bring long -term repayments and begin with the little ones, as Korosec emphasizes. It is important to integrate the offers in kindergartens and schools to ensure early health care. In addition, it praises the current status of the 24 primary care facilities opened, but notes that the need for further units, especially in the children's and youth area, is still high.

criticism and outlook on reforms

Another criticism of Mahrer and Korosec is the digital deficit in the Vienna hospital system. Compared to modern health systems in countries such as South Korea and Singapore, blatant differences appear. The inefficient use of the existing operating theaters is also identified as a central problem; Many of these halls would be empty from 2.30 p.m., while patients have to wait for their operations for weeks and months. Korosec is therefore urgently demanding more personnel and modern structures in healthcare to counteract these grievances.

The Viennese ÖVP is ready to implement reforms in healthcare as a potential coalition partner of the SPÖ. The upcoming elections could thus serve as a catalyst for urgently needed changes in the Vienna health system, which currently suffers from the pressure of rising patient numbers and long waiting times. The challenges are clearly outlined, now it remains to be seen whether the political discussions will lead to effective solutions and structural reforms.

For further details on the suggestions and criticisms of the ÖVP in the Vienna Health System, the reports of ORF Vienna and Kurier are consulted.