Image: Raiffeisen Bank
Primary care centers have been an issue since 2018 at the latest. At that time, the state of Upper Austria drew up a list of 18 suitable locations that would be suitable for construction in the coming years. The tenth Upper Austrian center was recently opened in Leonding. And it won’t be the last. As the Raiffeisenbank Schärding reported on OÖN request, a new medical location is planned next to the technology and start-up center (TGZ) in the district capital. “We are aware of the development in the field of general practitioners,” says the bank. Therefore, they are committed to building the first primary care center in the district.
This should offer medical care from a single source. The Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) expects longer opening times and shorter waiting times from the centers, since several doctors work together at one location. In addition, an expanded range of services is possible, which goes beyond medical care in the case of acute or chronic illnesses.
“Initiate Development”
According to Raiffeisenbank Schärding, there are already advanced plans in coordination with the doctors, the ÖGK and the municipality of Schärding. “We are committed to the region in order to initiate development for which no one else has the commitment or the means,” says Karin Wallerstorfer-Rögl, Managing Director of the Raiffeisenbank Region Schärding and Managing Director of the TGZ. “We do not follow the most profitable opportunities, but the long-term benefit for our region.”
As is well known, the bank also sees it in the TGZ. In 2020, the majority shares were acquired. It took two years before concrete plans could be presented. The conversion work on the technology and start-up center should be completed by autumn 2023.
It is expected that construction of the primary care center will then begin. “The final contracts will be dealt with in the upcoming municipal council meeting in April,” explains Schärding’s mayor Günter Streicher (SP). He strongly assumes that the construction of the primary care center will find broad approval in the municipal council. A unanimous decision in principle has already been made. “It’s a great story that I can only endorse. However, it is important to us that the work is completed by the opening of the State Horticultural Show in 2025 at the latest.”
According to Raiffeisenbank, there should be more information as soon as the final building permits have been issued. In any case, the investment is intended to ensure effective, sustainable and efficient health and medical care in the region.
Source: Nachrichten
