She takes the corresponding recommendations of the Court of Audit "very seriously," but does not want to preempt the negotiations, she said in the Ö1 midday journal on Thursday.

It is an "untenable situation" and "no longer acceptable" that insurance benefits vary depending on the federal state. For example, mole checks have to be paid privately in some states, but not in others. Therefore, it is important to implement the general contract for doctors, which is also enshrined in the government program.

State Secretary is a Fan of the Court of Audit

In a draft report by the Court of Audit, reported by Ö1 and "profil" on Wednesday, it recommends disempowering the regional medical chambers. They should no longer have to agree to the uniform regulations. "I am a big fan of Court of Audit reports because I am convinced that they provide an objective view of many things and the administration in Austria," the State Secretary accepted the support.

The Medical Chamber could not make anything of the accusation. As early as 2020, a comprehensive uniform service catalog was developed and submitted to the ÖGK, said President Johannes Steinhart on Wednesday. The ÖGK, in turn, saw the problem in the fee expectations of some regional medical chambers. If the general contract continues to fail because of this, "we must also discuss in this direction," said Königsberger-Ludwig. "This (the disempowerment, note) can be at the end of the negotiations," but she does not want to preempt them.

Greens Feel Vindicated, Blues Criticize Government

The Greens saw the draft report as a confirmation of their own demands. "The Austrian health system finally needs the nationwide uniform fee catalog for medical services. The same services must be remunerated equally throughout the country, patients must receive the same care as an insurance benefit regardless of their place of residence," emphasized health spokesperson Ralph Schallmeiner in a statement. If the approval of all regional medical chambers blocks the implementation, the federal government must adjust the framework conditions, he advocated for disempowerment. This should have been implemented in the last legislative period but failed due to the ÖVP, emphasized former Health Minister Johannes Rauch in the Ö1 morning journal.

For the Freedom Party, the report represents "not a reprimand, but a resounding slap in the face for the health policy of recent years." "What the Court of Audit now clearly shows is the result of the total failure of the system parties. Instead of consistently completing the bold insurance reform started by us Freedom Party members, the ÖVP, Greens, and now the loser coalition of ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS have left behind chaos that harms patients and consumes vast amounts of taxpayer money," said health spokesperson Gerhard Kaniak.

(APA/Red)

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