Services canceled

Dispute over doctors’ fees: Hagele calls for “word of mouth”

On weekends and public holidays, general practitioners in Tyrol have no longer been on call at night since October 1st. As reported, this has consequences for patients. Provincial Health Councillor Cornelia Hagele (ÖVP) believes the federal government is responsible, the opposition party Liste Fritz the state. 

In the background, a dispute is simmering between the Austrian Medical Association and the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) about the compensation for night standby duty. The current fee negotiations are in danger of failing.

Bridging funding?
List Fritz Member of Parliament Andrea Haselwanter-Schneider is insisting that the state secure the night standby service with bridging funding and submitted an urgent motion to the state parliament on Thursday.

"Needs a quick solution"
Health Minister Cornelia Hagele (ÖVP) is seeking reassurance: "The population has no cause for concern," she says. In the event of a medical emergency, care is definitely guaranteed.

However, Hagele expects the Ministry of Health to "put its foot down" in the fee dispute so that the restriction on night duty does not become permanent. Hagele: "A quick solution is needed in the interests of the general public, because patients must not be the ones to suffer."