Protest Against Cuts to Care for Alcoholics: "Saving There is Short-Sighted"

Vienna's health workers are raising alarms over the Pension Insurance Institution's (PVA) withdrawal from a crucial project aimed at supporting individuals struggling with alcoholism. The departure from the "Alcohol. Life can." initiative has sent ripples of concern through addiction support services, with fears that alcoholic patients will face diminished care.

Employees of Vienna's addiction support facilities are expressing deep disappointment, as their hopes for the PVA to reconsider its decision have been dashed. The situation has already resulted in job losses within the sector. Since January 1, rehabilitation measures for alcoholic patients under the "Alcohol. Life can." project have been discontinued.

In response, representatives from the association Dialog, Addiction Support Vienna, and the Vienna Coordination for Addiction and Drugs are organizing a protest. The demonstration is set to take place on Thursday morning outside the PVA building in Vienna-Brigittenau, signaling a strong public pushback against the funding cuts. They argue that cutting support for alcoholism is a short-sighted decision with potentially severe consequences for both the individuals affected and society at large.

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To save money there is short-sighted.