Concerns Raised Over Vienna's Approach to Patient Care

The ongoing debate regarding the treatment of patients from other Austrian regions has intensified, with notable criticism directed towards Vienna's approach. Peter McDonald, the chairperson of the umbrella organization for social insurance providers, has expressed strong opposition to what he describes as the 'Vienna-first mentality' proposed by the city's government.

McDonald highlighted the implications of separating waiting lists for patients from Vienna and those from other federal states, labeling it a 'taboo' in the Austrian healthcare system. He pointed out that Vienna had to allocate over EUR610 million from its regional budget last year due to insufficient funds for treating patients from surrounding regions, particularly Lower Austria and Burgenland.

In response to this financial strain, Health Councillor Peter Hacker suggested the establishment of distinct waiting lists for local and external patients. However, McDonald firmly disagrees, deeming this approach 'legally questionable' given that social insurance funds already pay a significant flat fee to Vienna's hospitals for services rendered to insured individuals statewide. He argued that it would be difficult to justify denying treatment to those who contribute to the city's economy through taxes and social insurance.

Andreas Huss, head of the Austrian Health Insurance Fund, has also criticized the ongoing discussions that seem to overlook patient welfare, although he acknowledged that Vienna's concerns about patient care are understandable.

McDonald emphasized the need for a nationwide, depoliticized strategy for healthcare planning that spans both hospitals and outpatient services. He noted that Mayor Michael Ludwig's call for a unified health planning strategy for the eastern region of Austria represents a positive step forward, as such collaborations are already envisioned in the Austrian Health Structure Plan. However, he stressed that these plans must be actively implemented.

In light of these challenges, Mayor Ludwig has invited the governors of Lower Austria and Burgenland to a health summit, aiming to involve various experts in the conversation. He intends to elevate this issue during the 'Reform Partnership' discussions between federal and regional governments, as well as at the upcoming conference of state governors.