Providing Medical Care for the Uninsured: A Decade of Change and Challenges

Taking care of people for whom it is not so easy to see a doctor, for example because they have no insurance, was the motivation to launch the aid project ten years ago, reported Thomas Fluckinger, chief physician at the Red Cross Tyrol and co-founder from Medcare.

Difficult search for a suitable location in the beginning

The early years were mixed. Above all, finding a place for the practice that was central and easily accessible for patients was difficult, says Fluckinger. The social project was initially stationed at the train station in Innsbruck, then this location had to be given up again.

As a result, the offer was converted to a mobile service. “Then, finally, we found the right premises on the Innrain in Innsbruck and the practice is still there today.”

Partnership with Caritas Tirol

With Caritas Tirol as a partner, it was ensured that the patients could receive not only medical but also social care, said the chief physician of the Red Cross.

Caritas director Elisabeth Rathgeb emphasized that the joint offer of help could make a lasting improvement in the overall living situation possible.

Wide range of diseases

Thomas Fluckinger is certain that the offer of help will continue to be in high demand in the future: “The number of homeless people and people without insurance will not decrease. On the contrary. Last year alone we carried out 1,123 medical and 343 social consultations.”

A wide range of illnesses are treated, ranging from feverish infections to skin diseases and tumor diseases. The staff are mostly volunteers. From Fluckinger’s perspective, developments in the field of street medicine are necessary to meet the increasing demands for dignified, reliable care for people without insurance.

Wish for the future: reduce prejudices

On the tenth anniversary of the offer of help, Thomas Fluckinger wanted more acceptance in society: “We have seen again and again how little acceptance an outpatient clinic for homeless people has in society. Nobody wants one of these in his or her neighborhood. This has often made us sad, but also thoughtful, and that is why we will continue to advocate for humanity, acceptance and respect for all people in the future, regardless of whether their home is a fancy house or a small place under a bridge. “