Austrian Ombudsman Warns Budget Cuts Threaten Right to Health

The Austrian Ombudsman, Bernhard Achitz, has raised concerns that recent and proposed austerity measures in Austria could undermine fundamental human rights, particularly the right to health. His comments coincide with the International Human Rights Day, during which discussions focused on the potential effects of budgetary restrictions on vulnerable groups, including women and individuals with disabilities.

At a recent NGO forum organized by the Austrian Ombudsman Board, representatives from civil society highlighted several areas where financial cutbacks may restrict access to healthcare and social services. Participants emphasized that women, people with disabilities, and migrants often face multiple layers of discrimination within the healthcare system. Those belonging to more than one of these groups are at an even higher risk of being disadvantaged.

Specific challenges were identified for people with disabilities, who frequently encounter difficulties in securing appointments with medical specialists. Some medical professionals reportedly decline to treat individuals with mental health conditions or intellectual disabilities. Additionally, for those relying on support such as sign language interpreters or other communication aids, coordinating healthcare appointments becomes even more complex.

Gender disparities were also noted, with women often facing discrimination not only in accessing healthcare services but from the research phase, where medications are predominantly tested on male subjects. Reports indicate that women's expressions of pain are sometimes underestimated or dismissed by healthcare providers.

The forum addressed the broader social impact of austerity, noting that reductions in employment support and the subsidized labor market could increase poverty risks and negatively affect public health. This is particularly relevant for women and individuals with chronic mental health conditions, who are disproportionately affected by labor market changes. Wage disparities persist, with women earning less than men at the beginning of their careers despite similar qualifications. The cumulative effect of these disparities, including those resulting from maternity and the gender pension gap, leads to a higher poverty risk among older women, especially those living alone.

The Ombudsman highlighted the importance of integrating social policy with human rights policy, stressing that equal access to social security, healthcare services, and public infrastructure is vital for achieving real equality. The forum also identified shortcomings in the collection and analysis of data relevant to women and people with disabilities. Many statistics use household income as a baseline but often fail to account for how income is distributed among household members or who is responsible for expenses, such as child support in blended families. Furthermore, data on people with disabilities is often incomplete, as those living in institutions are frequently excluded from surveys.

Austria currently does not enshrine social rights, such as the right to an adequate standard of living or healthcare, within its constitution. Unlike fundamental civil and political rights, which are constitutionally protected, social rights are governed only by ordinary legislation. This makes them more susceptible to legislative changes and less stable than constitutionally guaranteed freedoms. The Ombudsman's office, along with several NGOs, continues to advocate for the constitutional recognition of social rights. Previous forums organized by the Ombudsman Board have addressed these issues in depth, highlighting the ongoing debate about the legal status of social rights in Austria.

The ongoing dialogue aims to ensure that policy decisions are informed by accurate data and focused on protecting the most vulnerable members of society from the unintended consequences of fiscal austerity. The Ombudsman Board and civil society organizations continue to stress the importance of embedding social rights at the constitutional level to provide lasting guarantees for all citizens.