In the south of Linz

Doctors to ordain in “container” center from 2025

A primary care center including radiology and pharmacy will be built in high-quality containers on the former barracks site.(Bild: © Harald Dostal / 2024)

For years, the "Krone" has repeatedly drawn attention to the prevailing shortage of doctors in the south of Linz. Now the construction of a primary care center in the south of Linz is finally within reach. The primary care center is set to open its doors from spring 2025, initially in containers but already including a radiology department and pharmacy.

Together with the WSF Private Foundation, the sole owner of the barracks site in Ebelsberg, the City of Linz is now laying the foundation stone for the construction of the primary care center. The Medical Association also gave the green light for the major project back in March.

Enns residents do the groundwork
Before the new primary care unit (PVE) is built on the former barracks site, a temporary container center is to be set up from spring 2025 to ensure basic medical care for the population of Linz in the south. Up to 10,000 patients from the southern parts of the city will be able to receive medical care in the future. Three experienced doctors from PVE Enns have already been commissioned by the Medical Association to carry out the foundation and construction work in Ebelsberg.

There is "still" a building freeze at the desired location
"With this joint alliance, the City of Linz and the WSF Foundation are laying the foundation for closing another gap in basic medical care. The expansion of the infrastructure is also urgently needed, but in future we must prepare ourselves for the fact that an expansion may be necessary in view of the plans for the districts south of the Traun. The legal framework conditions are currently being clarified by the building authorities with the state of Upper Austria, as there is a general construction ban due to the route being kept free for an eastern bypass. However, we assume that this ban will be lifted at least temporarily," said Mayor Klaus Luger and City Councillor for Planning Dietmar Prammer (both SPÖ).

"Significant step"
"The construction of the primary care center is a significant step towards improving healthcare in the south of Linz. This measure will relieve the burden on many people and give them access to medical care that meets their needs. We at the WSF Private Foundation are proud to contribute to closing this existing gap through our project. The cooperation with the City of Linz and other partners shows how successful public-private partnerships can be when it comes to meeting the needs of the community," says Christian Mitterhauser, CEO of the WSF Private Foundation.

"Many Linzers are relieved of their worries"
"This decision is a milestone for the establishment of a primary care center in the south. Many people in Linz will be relieved of their worries. It has always been a major concern of mine to ensure that healthcare in our city is needs-based and close to the people. That is why, as you know, I have already discussed the construction of a large healthcare center with the owner of the barracks site, the WSF Private Foundation, and have tried to convince them of the need for a primary care center on the former barracks site. The Medical Association also has a positive attitude towards this project. I am delighted that this project is now being put on track together," says Dr. Michael Raml, City Councillor for Health in Linz.

VP signature campaign as an impetus
"20,000 people in Pichling and Ebelsberg have lived long enough in a district that is grossly underserved from a medical point of view. Healthcare provision for these people was de facto on the brink of collapse. The realization of the primary care center on the former barracks site in Ebelsberg by 2025 is primarily due to the consistent efforts of the Linz People's Party. In addition to numerous discussions with important decision-makers in recent weeks, it is above all thanks to the petition 'Emergency call from the south of Linz' with around 1,000 signatures that the debate - which has been dragging on for years - has regained momentum. We have prepared the ground accordingly, and now we need one last joint effort to implement this important project quickly," explains local councillor Michaela Sommer, chairwoman of the Linz People's Party.