Closures planned

Lower Austria: Blue turnaround for hospitals

Where is the path leading? In Lower Austria, the healthcare system needs to be put on a new footing. 50 experts are working on the plans until March 2025.(Bild: Evelyn Hronek)

Which hospital will be closed? Which department will be retained? How will healthcare work in the future? This is being hotly debated in Lower Austria! The FPÖ has apparently changed its course since 2023.

As reported, the SPÖ wants to preserve the hospital landscape in Lower Austria with a three-point plan. Included in it: A location guarantee for all regional hospitals. Yesterday, there was already fierce criticism from the FPÖ. Blue Party health spokesman Richard Punz spoke of an "abrupt, brutal and stupid approach to this important health issue" by SPÖ provincial councillor Sven Hergovich.

Before the last state election, the FPÖ also presented demands for the preservation of hospitals.(Bild: zVg/Quelle: FPÖ)

However, it took less than 24 hours for this issue to appear in a new light. The Freedom Party also called for a "location guarantee for Lower Austrian regional hospitals" in its list of political demands before the 2023 regional elections. They apparently no longer want to know anything about this.

SPÖ proposal is rejected
Hergovich also remains alone with his proposal to dissolve the Provincial Health Agency (LGA). According to the SPÖ, this would save 30 million euros. But (so far) no other party sees this as the right recipe. The NEOS, however, have identified "ample savings potential" in the LGA's expenditure.