Austrian Medical Association Vice President Faces Potential Dismissal Amid Salary Controversy

The Austrian Medical Association is facing internal scrutiny as questions arise regarding the compensation of Harald Mayer, who serves as Vice President of the Austrian Medical Association (ÖÄK) and head of the federal section representing employed physicians. Recent media coverage has brought attention to Mayer's remuneration, with reports indicating that his combined monthly earnings from multiple roles reached approximately 26,000 euros over several years.

Concerns have also been raised about Mayer's travel expense claims, particularly regarding his preference for taxi transportation between Schärding and Vienna, sometimes on a bi-weekly basis, rather than using alternative and potentially less costly travel options such as trains. These details have sparked debate within the medical association and led to mounting criticism regarding the management of resources by senior representatives.

The controversy has prompted the Medical Association of Lower Austria to initiate a motion of no confidence against Mayer, which is expected to be formally addressed during the upcoming federal section meeting. The rationale behind the motion centers on the potential impact of Mayer's conduct on the public image of both the medical profession and its official representatives. The association's bylaws require a two-thirds majority vote to remove an official from their position.

Mayer's leadership roles are scheduled to conclude in the coming months, with his tenure in Upper Austria set to end at the close of the year and his federal mandate in the ÖÄK concluding by March. Nonetheless, the current proceedings could potentially result in his early departure from office, depending on the outcome of the impending vote.

This is not the first time Mayer has attracted public attention. In the previous year, he advocated for the reintroduction of an uncapped emergency service fee for patients attending hospital outpatient clinics without a prior referral or emergency. The proposed measure would have required individuals who sought care without a referral from a general practitioner, specialist, or the national health hotline to cover all associated costs from their own funds. This suggestion was met with widespread criticism and was ultimately rejected by both the national health ministry and the Austrian Health Insurance Fund. Furthermore, the federal and Vienna branches of the Medical Association distanced themselves from Mayer's proposal.

The situation has reignited discussions regarding transparency, accountability, and the expectations placed on public officials within Austria's healthcare system. The outcome of the no-confidence vote will likely influence future governance protocols and may have broader implications for the image and operational standards of the Austrian Medical Association.