Five locations, 19 doctors, close-up care for more than 40,000 people: These are the key data for the expansion of the primary care units (PVE) in the first half of 2025. The start with April 1, Linz-Süd (Ebelsberg) and Vöcklabruck, follow those in Wartberg/Unterweiterdorf (April 7), Schärding (8. May). The number of PVE will increase to 17 in Upper Austria, two more should be added this year (see graphic below).
Michael Pecherstorfer, chairman of the State Office Committee of the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK), spoke of a “huge success” on Thursday. The head of the Governor Christine Haberlander (VP) responsible for health encountered the same horn. PVE would bring many advantages, from longer opening times to multi -professional teams.
“General practitioners are the putty for our healthcare system,” emphasized Johanna Holzhaider, Deputy Curial Chairman of the resident doctors in the Upper Austrian Medical Association, also the value of the prevention work. Studies would show that good primary care could reduce health costs and extend life.
Where PVE will follow in a next expansion step is open. In the state goal control commission, target regions – including Gallneukirchen or Mattighofen – were defined. There are none because the teams of doctors have to find themselves voluntarily. Currently, 39 cash register for general medicine is vacant in our state.
Eleven million euros
Eleven million euros will be invested as start -up financing by ÖGK, social security providers and country in the first year of operation. When asked about the deficit problem of the ÖGK, Pecherstorfer stated that the austerity was not set to “reasonable projects like PVE”.
The new Minister of Health Korinna Schumann (SP) also underlines the importance of these care units. A wish by the ÖGK and Medical Association to the BUND: Changes to the founding modalities for PVE. Specialists (with the exception of pediatric doctors) are currently not part of one.
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Lavinia Costas knows what it means to start a PVE from her own experience. The doctor belongs to the team of the PVE Linz-Süd. “The foundation is an exciting challenge that demands strategic planning and flexibility,” she says. The anticipation for the opening next week is large in the whole team (around 20 people). There is already a waiting list for the patients – just like a great demand.
The new PVE is an important milestone for the Mayor of Linz (SP), especially in the growing south of Linz, the need for medical care is high.
- From the archive: This is how the containers of the primary supply unit Linz Süd should look
Source: Nachrichten
