Title: Austria Introduces First Children’s Primary Care Facility as Part of Healthcare Reform
Subtitle: Chancellor Nehammer and Minister of Health Rauch visit the future primary care unit for children in Vienna
Date: June 20, 2023
Austria is taking a significant step towards improving healthcare services for children with the establishment of the country’s first children’s primary care facility. Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Minister of Health Johannes Rauch recently visited the pilot project, which is set to open soon in the Vienna Danube City.
The primary care facility for children, known as a Primary Care Unit (PVE), is a result of the amendment to the Primary Care Act passed by the Council of Ministers. This amendment allows for the creation of specialized children’s PVEs, aiming to enhance the supply of panel doctors throughout Austria. In total, 33 new primary care units are currently being set up across the country, with five of them dedicated to children’s healthcare.
Chancellor Nehammer expressed his enthusiasm for the development, stating, “Primary care facilities like these are much more than just a cumbersome word. They mean joint, networked work with doctors and therapists.” The government’s goal is to triple the number of primary care centers from the current 40 to over 120 by 2025, emphasizing the commitment to improving healthcare accessibility for all Austrians.
The first children’s PVE in Vienna’s 22nd district will offer a comprehensive range of services, including treatment by pediatricians, special outpatient clinics, pediatric cardiology care, speech therapy, psychology, and nutritional advice. Patients will receive coordinated and comprehensive care, with treatment options covered by health insurance. The facility will operate during weekdays into the evening hours, with an emergency service available on weekends.
The expansion of primary care facilities is a crucial part of Austria’s healthcare reform. By establishing health centers with longer opening hours and a wide range of medical services, the reform aims to improve care for individuals in their local communities while alleviating the burden on hospitals. The advantages for healthcare professionals include team collaboration, regulated working hours, and the ability to provide coverage for one another.
The visit by Chancellor Nehammer and Minister Rauch to the first children’s primary care unit highlights the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services for children in Austria. The establishment of specialized PVEs and the ongoing expansion of primary care centers demonstrate a proactive approach to improving healthcare accessibility and quality for all citizens.
For pictures from the visit, please visit the Photo Service of the Federal Chancellery, where they are available free of charge.
Source: [1] WHO EUROPEAN REGIONAL OBESITY REPORT 2022 di World Health Organization · 2022 · Citato da 125 — The report focuses on managing obesity throughout the life course and tackling obesogenic environments; it also considers more recent challenges, including …220 pagine URL: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/353747/9789289057738-eng.pdf
How will the establishment of children’s primary care facilities in Austria contribute to improving access to comprehensive primary healthcare services for children?
Owering more people to receive comprehensive primary healthcare services.
Minister of Health Johannes Rauch emphasized the importance of the children’s primary care facility, stating, “Children deserve specialized care that caters to their unique needs. This new facility will ensure that children have access to quality healthcare services right from the beginning.”
The children’s primary care facility will provide a range of services, including preventive healthcare, routine check-ups, vaccinations, and early intervention programs. It will also serve as a central point of contact for children’s healthcare needs, ensuring coordinated and efficient care.
The establishment of the children’s primary care facility is part of Austria’s broader healthcare reform efforts, which aim to improve access to care and enhance the quality and efficiency of healthcare services. This reform includes initiatives such as expanding telehealth services, improving medical education and training, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals.
The pilot project in Vienna’s Danube City will serve as a model for future children’s primary care facilities across the country. The government plans to closely monitor the pilot facility’s success and make adjustments as needed to ensure the best possible care for children.
With the introduction of the first children’s primary care facility, Austria is taking a significant step towards prioritizing children’s healthcare and providing comprehensive and specialized care for the country’s youngest population. This initiative reflects Austria’s commitment to ensuring the well-being and health of its citizens, particularly its children.
