Government Wants to Standardize Hotline 1450

The federal government wants to standardize the health hotline 1450 across Austria. According to the plans of Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPÖ), it should be "expanded into a health navigator for Austria." Responsible for the implementation are Social Minister Korinna Schumann and Health State Secretary Ulrike Königsberger-Ludwig (both SPÖ). Initial expansion steps could take place as early as 2026.

1450 not equally developed everywhere

Currently, the hotline is developed differently from one federal state to another. In Vienna, appointments in primary care units can already be booked via 1450. In Styria, a mobile emergency service is provided at night, while in Upper Austria, there is targeted referral to hospital outpatient clinics. An inventory with the federal states has already been conducted. Now, the service is to be gradually aligned and expanded, as it is said.

As the first point of contact in the health system, 1450 is to receive a clear role, "easily accessible, understandable, and reliable for everyone." To this end, the hotline is to be gradually expanded with new functions, including appointment services, video consultations, and digital callbacks. This is intended to make it a "real entry point into care - even outside of traditional office hours."

"We want a system for all federal states"

"With the health navigator 1450, everyone should receive exactly the medical care they need as quickly as possible - and on insurance," emphasized Babler in a written statement. The "best practice examples" from the federal states showed the potential. What is needed now is the nationwide roll-out. "We want a system for all federal states," said the Vice Chancellor.

On June 6, at the state governors' conference in Leogang, which was also attended by the top of the federal government, the starting signal was given for the "reform partnership" of the federal government, states, and municipalities. The focus of the reform process is on the topics of energy, education, and health.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.