Austrian hospitals provide basic healthcare to counter doctor shortages

KAGes hospitals in Hartberg, Rottenmann, and Deutschlandsberg in Austria launched a new model for women and children's health to address a shortage of doctors.

Ulf Drabek, the financial director of KAGes, stated that the hospitals provided basic care to approximately 7,000 patients over one year. This model functions like a standard clinic, where patients receive primary care funded by social insurance providers.

While these services are not the core responsibility of a hospital, officials describe the initiative as a successful way to provide regional medical access. Alexander Moussa of the Styrian Medical Chamber expressed skepticism regarding the model, particularly for gynecological care. He noted that while any care is better than none, this hospital structure cannot ensure the level of trust required for women's health.

Moussa argued that the system needs to strengthen independent practices to make it attractive for doctors to settle in the region. Currently, the LKH Hartberg hospital is so busy that women may wait up to one year for an initial consultation.