Financing secured

New medical center fails twice due to spatial planning

A primary care center is due to open in Linz-Ebelsberg in July 2025.

(Bild: Dostal Harald)

While a new prescription for a primary care center in the south of the city has been found in Linz and is due to open in July 2025, a new PVZ in Bad Ischl is a long way off. This is despite the fact that the town's politicians are in agreement, a medical team is in place and funding has been secured.

The fact that the Medical Association is being portrayed - also by politicians - as an obstacle to primary care centers annoys its President Peter Niedermoser. "Together with the health insurance fund, we are the driving force," he said at a press event on Friday. The primary care center in the south of Linz is exemplary. Legal requirements were stretched to the maximum in order to ensure medical care for around 10,000 people.

Three experienced doctors, Wolfgang Hockl, Katharina Winkler and Andreas Rinnerberger, who already work at the medical center in Enns and will remain there, were available as partners. However, because doctors are only allowed to occupy one and a half practice positions, the medical association's board of trustees had to relax this rule and increase it to two practice positions. "Two young doctors have already agreed to join us from the planned opening in July 2025," says Hockl with relief. They are to work temporarily in containers on the former barracks site in Ebelsberg and take on the role of partner after several years of training.

Wolfgang Hockl's eyes are on the opening in Ebelsberg.

(Bild: Dostal Harald)

According to Johanna Holzhaider, deputy chairman of the Kurie der niedergelassenen Ärzte, this prescription is an important support for young doctors. "Medical training is excellent. More is needed to run a business." According to Hockl, Wolfgang Gruber has already been appointed Managing Director. In addition to the medical center in Enns, he will also manage the one in Linz.

Frustration in Bad Ischl
"Keep waiting", however, is the motto at PVZ Bad Ischl. According to Niedermoser, the team of doctors and financing are in place. However, the implementation is failing due to the regional planning of the state. Initially, no green light was given because a medical center in a residential area is prohibited.

Problems with the access road
The appropriate access road prescribed by the regional planning regulations is missing for construction near the hospital. The area would have to be rededicated. SP Mayor Ines Schiller: "All parties are behind the primary care center. The city would initiate the rezoning immediately. Unfortunately, that will take time. I hope that the doctors won't back down."