Concerns Rise Among Viennese About Future of Healthcare System

A recent survey indicates that two-thirds of the population in Vienna, aged 16 and older, are apprehensive about the future of the healthcare system. The findings, part of a health barometer conducted by researcher Peter Hajek, reveal that 57% of respondents believe the government should increase funding for health services, placing healthcare as a higher priority than education (46%) and social issues (41%).

Moreover, more than half of those surveyed expressed opposition to the privatization of healthcare, while 35% supported the idea of private companies operating health facilities. The survey also found that 41% of participants had visited a private doctor in addition to their public healthcare provider over the past six months.

For 75% of respondents, the family doctor remains the first point of contact when health issues arise. Despite financial strains, a significant 70% support the expansion of free preventive healthcare services, particularly among individuals aged 60 and over. However, only 30% utilize the free preventive check-ups offered annually, with 52% indicating they would participate more frequently if financial incentives were provided. Regular check-ups are most common among older and more educated segments of the population.

The overall assessment of hospital care in Vienna is generally positive, with respondents rating the healthcare system at an average of 2.6 on a scale where 1 is the best. Nonetheless, 47% of participants noted a lack of time and attention from physicians, highlighting a need for improvement in patient care.

Healthcare professionals, including Johannes Steinhart, President of the Medical Chamber, pointed out that the current austerity measures are no longer sustainable. He emphasized that the public is increasingly aware of the deteriorating conditions in the healthcare system, such as shortages of general practitioners, insufficient hospital staff, and long waits for appointments or procedures.

Concerns about the potential commercialization of the healthcare system, particularly the sale of public facilities to private investors, have also been raised. Naghme Kamaleyan-Schmied, Vice President of the Medical Chamber, noted the apprehension among patients regarding the future of essential medical services amid the financial challenges facing the Austrian Health Insurance Fund.

The survey underscores the critical role family doctors play in the healthcare system, as they are the primary contact for 75% of respondents. Kamaleyan-Schmied advocates for enhanced support for outpatient care and equitable working conditions for physicians, suggesting that many hospital treatments could be shifted to outpatient facilities.

Eduardo Maldonado-González, another Vice President of the Medical Chamber, acknowledged the mixed results of the survey. While it is encouraging that two-thirds of respondents view hospital care positively, the perception that doctors lack sufficient time for patient care remains a significant concern. Efforts are underway to improve working conditions in Vienna's hospitals to retain staff and address issues such as lengthy wait times for surgeries, particularly in specialties like ENT, urology, and orthopedics, where waiting periods can exceed a year.