Criticism in Völkermarkt

Primary care centers: Battle for location

There is already a facility in Klagenfurt—Villach will follow.(Bild: Andreas Walcher)

The expansion of primary care centers is proving to be extremely difficult in Carinthia—especially when it comes to the planned location in the district of Völkermarkt. Politicians are voicing strong criticism.

So far, a primary care unit (PVE) has been successfully implemented exclusively in Klagenfurt with the “Medineum – Center for General Medicine.” However, a center in Villach is set to follow as early as this year. “This is one of the most necessary steps in the state,” emphasizes State Health Minister Beate Prettner.

Similar centers, which bring together a wide range of health services under one roof, are also planned for the cities of Spittal and Wolfsberg, as well as in the Völkermarkt district. In Völkermarkt, however, the primary care unit is not to be established in the district seat, but south of the Drau River—in Bleiburg.

Mayor Markus Lakounigg: “We will not allow this. A petition has already been sent to the state and the Austrian Health Insurance Fund.” Deputy Mayor Aaron Radaelli also speaks out: “We urge the relevant authorities to establish this facility in the center of Völkermarkt. That’s where all the specialists are located.”

No Information for Municipalities 
Sufficient housing is also available. Radaelli: “If a new building were to be constructed, we would also provide the land.” Bleiburg Mayor Stefan Visotschnig criticizes: “They really should be talking to the municipalities. So far, we haven’t received any information at all.”