Austrian Medical Chamber proposes expanding doctor-run pharmacies to boost rural healthcare

Expanding doctor-run pharmacies could help fill vacant general practice positions in rural Austria, according to a study commissioned by the Austrian Medical Chamber. These "Hausapotheken" (house pharmacies) could offer general practitioners additional income, making it more appealing to take on practices in underserved rural areas.

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Medical house pharmacies could make rural general practice positions more attractive.

The study, conducted by the consulting network Kreutzer, Fischer und Partner, highlights that many general practice positions, particularly in regions like Burgenland, Styria, and Tyrol, remain unfilled. This is especially true in communities with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants, where attracting doctors is particularly challenging due to insufficient patient numbers to generate adequate income. The average gross operating surplus for a practice in Austria is around 265,000 euros annually, a figure significantly lower in rural settings.

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The Pharmacists' Chamber warns of supply shortages.

Beyond financial incentives, the expansion of doctor-run pharmacies is also seen as a way to improve patient access to medication, reduce overall healthcare costs, and lower carbon dioxide emissions. The Austrian Medical Chamber's president, Johannes Steinhart, emphasized that this has been a long-standing goal, crucial for preserving the solidarity-funded healthcare system. He stressed that patient well-being is paramount, with house pharmacies offering integrated diagnosis, therapy, and medication supply.

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Medical house pharmacies could provide additional income for general practitioners and improve access to medication, while also reducing costs and emissions.

However, the Apothekerkammer (Pharmacists' Chamber) has expressed concerns about potential supply shortages. Edgar Wutscher, chairman of the commission for self-employed doctors, reassured pharmacists that this initiative is not intended to create a competitive displacement but rather to determine what is most beneficial for patients. The study estimates that a nationwide expansion of doctor-run pharmacies could increase the density of pharmacies and shorten travel times, potentially saving at least 160 million euros and 300,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually.

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Many general practice positions in rural areas cannot be refilled, especially in Burgenland, Styria, and Tyrol.