Health summit in eastern Austria: agreement for better care?

Health summit in eastern Austria: agreement for better care?

What's going on in the eastern region of Austria? A topic that is currently causing a lot of discussion is health care in Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland. A proposal from Vienna's mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) to jointly manage medical care is finally meeting with open ears. Both the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) and Lower Austria's Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner are now willing to talk. This shift could have far-reaching consequences for the region's healthcare landscape.

The mayor proposes that all areas of health care, from hospital care and patient distribution to practicing doctors and emergency services, be planned in a joint committee. This is particularly relevant as Vienna will have to raise an additional 610 million euros for the care of guest patients in 2024. Around 80% of these patients come from Lower Austria and 12% from Burgenland. “We are in a dialogue and I am still open to discussions,” Ludwig makes clear. ÖGK director Andreas Huss supports the plan and calls for regulated financing to cope with rising costs and ensure efficient supply.

One region, many needs

A look at the numbers shows the extent: around 20% of Lower Austrians and 18% of Burgenlanders are treated in Vienna hospitals. “We have to bear the costs together and plan and finance the eastern supply zone efficiently,” demands Huss. His argument is based on the health structural plan, which outlines four supply zones in Austria, including the urgently needed eastern supply zone.

Beyond the purely financial aspect, Huss suggests extending joint planning to include important questions about hospital locations and necessary facilities. Huss is certain that no one should negotiate at the expense of the patient. This issue is becoming increasingly explosive, especially in view of the fact that 500 million euros flow to Vienna every year via financial equalization to cover certain services. Although Mikl-Leitner expresses a willingness to cooperate, he questions the costs stated by Vienna and calls for more transparency. “A precise discussion at the table is necessary, instead of behind the patient’s back,” says Huss.

Where does the path lead?

A health summit to solve the challenges could be the next step that Ludwig brings into play. Whether the development of a common strategy for the eastern region will actually come about depends on the negotiations - according to Huss, these could begin “at any time”, especially with a view to the next financial equalization. As already set out in the Austrian Structural Health Plan (ÖSG), the care standards should be harmonized nationwide in order to avoid over- or incorrect care and to ensure the best possible care.

So the initial situation seems exciting. With the ÖSG 2023, which has been in force since December 2023, the signs are good for well-thought-out and integrative healthcare in the region. Ultimately, however, the cooperation of all those involved will be crucial in order to make the healthcare landscape in the eastern region sustainable.

The next few months will show whether the positive signals from Vienna also lead to concrete steps. Citizens hope for solutions that are not only financially viable, but also ensure the quality of healthcare in the eastern region.