ÖÄK President Steinhart: The Chamber of Pharmacists’ considerations are clearly to the detriment of patients.
Vienna (OTS) – The non-medical health professions have by no means been “forgotten” in the current concept of patient management and treatment paths, says Johannes Steinhart, President of the Austrian Medical Association, contradicting current statements by Pharmacist Association President Ulrike Mursch-Edlmayr. “The diagnosis and treatment determination for patients must of course be in the hands of those who are trained to do so. The decision as to whether patients belong to the doctor or hospital or can be treated independently with medication is – even if I exclude the topic of possible economic self-interests here – far outside the competence of pharmacists,” emphasizes Steinhart.
In addition, it is absurd to expect patients to travel unnecessarily. “The first point of contact is of course the doctor – it is incomprehensible why patients should have themselves sent to where they belong anyway,” says Steinhart.
Steinhart is irritated by the statements of ÖGK deputy chairman Andreas Huss, who wants to grant pharmacies a control function. “I expect social insurance to offer the insured people the best possible quality of therapy and treatment for their contributions,” says Steinhart. This means not simply taking note of the current gaps in statutory health care, but rather actively working to ensure that contracted doctors are strengthened in their role as the number one contact and to offer them framework conditions with which they can fulfill this role perfectly .
Steinhart once again appeals to everyone involved to approach the question of patient control seriously and consensually. “Every system partner should think carefully about what they can contribute within the scope of their abilities and skills so that patients can get to where they can get the right treatment as quickly and conveniently as possible. Our concepts are on the table – we would also like to see a stronger role for 1450 and telemedicine solutions, but without endangering or putting unnecessary strain on patients,” says Steinhart.
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