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HEALTH

Corruption still ‘widespread’ in medicine

Transparency International (TI) has criticized Austria for doing too little to target corruption. A report said that “black sheep” were still especially prevalent in the health sector.

Corruption still 'widespread' in medicine
Doctor. File photo: APA

Up to three billion euros are being siphoned off through corruption in the medical field, TI Austria said. Some doctors are being paid in cash for doing operations at short notice, and then not declaring it. TI Austria estimated that up to ten per cent of health spending is being wasted because of this.

TI said that whistleblowers who report on corruption need better protection – and should not have to fear any retribution. Last year the Federal Office responsible for fighting corruption received 1,700 tip-offs from whistleblowers, TI Austria CEO Eva Geiblinger said.

Geiblinger also said that TI wants the lobbyist registry to be expanded – to include social insurance, churches, and city municipalities, to help gain transparency about the possible influence of pressure groups.

She added that for the past couple of years Austria has been lagging behind its European neighbours in the international corruption perception index, but that slowly TI could see that some improvements are being made. 

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HEALTH

What do you do in Austria if your nearest pharmacy is closed?

It's nine pm in Austria, and you're out of painkillers or decongestants. You're desperate for pain relief but your local Apotheke is shut, so what do you do?

What do you do in Austria if your nearest pharmacy is closed?

In Austria Apotheken (pharmacies) are the only places in which you can purchase painkillers and decongestants. Ostensibly in the public interest, but it’s also a lucrative moneymaker for the businesses. This monopoly on the sale of certain pharmaceutical drugs is a subject frequently debated and is of much consternation for overseas arrivals. 

READ MORE: Why are painkillers only sold in pharmacies in Austria?

However, many Apotheken can close as early as six pm, especially if you live outside a major city centre. If you’re suffering from a cold or a nasty headache, it can seem like an eternity until they reopen. 

Fortunately, there is relief. Emergency situations will always arise, and pharmacies often band together to provide service at nights, over weekends and on public holidays.

This is done on a rota basis, so your local Apotheke may not be open, there will be a Apotheken-Notdienst (Emergency-service pharmacy) within a 5 – 10km range. 

Often, Apotheken will have a sign or screen out the front that gives the address and opening times for Apotheken-Notdienst in the area, updated frequently.

A number of websites also exist that can give you the location of operating Apotheken-Notdienst across Austria, such as APO24.at. Entering your PLZ (or postcode) will list the nearest to you. 

However, if they don’t have online access, dialling 1455 while put you in touch with a service who can either direct you to the Apotheken-Notdienst on duty, or help you in getting you further assistance. 

If all else fails, your local hospital should have a Notfall-Praxis – ostensibly an emergency doctor service out of hours. If you’re prepared to wait, you will be able to see a doctor, and they can either dispense medication, or direct you to the hospital pharmacy with a prescription. 

Before you go, it’s worth brushing up on your vocabulary. The Local has developed a list of vocabulary and phrases that you can use to describe your symptoms to pharmacists and doctors, to help them prescribe the best possible medication.

READ MORE: Colds and flu: What to say if you get sick in Austria

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