Money from the federal government

22 million euros more for Vorarlberg’s hospitals

The money, which will flow to Vorarlberg as part of the financial equalization scheme, will be used to improve the care of children and young people with mental illnesses. Diabetics, cancer and pain patients should also benefit.

In future, 600 million euros more per year are to flow from the federal government to the provinces in the areas of health, care and social services. For Vorarlberg, this means around 22 million euros more. Governor Markus Wallner announced on Friday that this will primarily benefit hospitals in the health sector.

"The significant increase in funding will not only result in the further development of the structure, organization and financing of healthcare, but will also provide significant financial relief for Vorarlberg's hospitals," said Wallner. The additional funds could be used to improve the care of children with mental illnesses, for example. Diabetics, cancer and pain patients should also benefit. So much for the fine-sounding plans from the patient's point of view.

In recent years, the hospital sector has increasingly become a bottomless pit. Around a quarter of the entire state budget is spent on healthcare. Not only have technical equipment and medicines become more expensive, but staff are also demanding more appropriate pay. The cornerstones for salary adjustments should be in place by June 2024, Health Minister Martina Rüscher announced two weeks ago.

"Level in line with the market " 
However, it should also be clear that doctors are unlikely to be fobbed off with an apple and an egg. At the end of the year, a petition signed by over 500 hospital doctors called for a 30 percent increase in basic salaries. With regard to the salary agreements in Burgenland and Styria, Hermann Blaßnig, chairman of the curia of salaried doctors, emphasized just a few days ago how important a "market-compliant and competitive level" was in order to avoid the exodus of doctors.

Given the many desires, it will be interesting to see how many of the 22 million euros will reach the patient groups mentioned by Wallner.