High-profile panelists ensured a lively discussion.
Krems (OTS) – State Secretary Claudia PLAKOLM opened the afternoon at this year’s European Forum Wachau with her welcoming words: “Those who consciously think about their own health and fitness at a young age will stay healthy and fit longer. In particular, we need to talk more about mental health and break the societal taboo of remaining silent about it. That’s why we’re specifically expanding the offerings here, especially for young people.”
Ulrike PROMMER, Chairwoman of the University Management, IMC Krems, emphasized the uniqueness of the campus. “At the Krems campus, the three universities train, teach, research and publish together in the field of health sciences in different health professions and research fields. This is unique in Europe and strengthens multidisciplinarity and understanding between the health professions,” says PROMMER.
Friedrich FAULHAMMER, Rector of the University of Krems for Continuing Education, addressed the topic of further development of the health system. “Evidence-based further development of our healthcare system is essential to addressing current and future societal challenges. At the Krems campus we are working on converting research results into innovations with concrete benefits for people,” says FAULHAMMER.
Rudolf MALLINGER, Rector of the Karl Landsteiner Private University for Health Sciences, referred to the social importance of health. “Health is the basis for the well-being of our society. Through targeted investments in medical research, education and infrastructure, we can meet future challenges, strengthen our healthcare system and promote innovations that improve our lives. The European Forum Wachau offers a valuable space for the necessary discourse,” says MALLINGER.
Michael ZETTEL, Country Managing Director Accenture Austria and Health Lead EMEA, addressed the future management of patient flows in his keynote speech. “The healthcare system in Europe needs a boost in productivity, which can be achieved through the use of technology and digitalization. Many countries in Europe, such as France, Spain and England, are courageously following this path. The Austrian claim “digital before outpatient before inpatient” is the right one. This path must be followed consistently so that the health system can remain financially viable,” says ZETTEL.
Joachim BOGNER Managing Director for Siemens Healthineers, explained in his statement the importance of research for Europe as a healthcare location. “If we want to strengthen Europe as a healthcare location, research and development must happen in Europe. Digital technologies, used responsibly, will be the basis for sustainable healthcare. That’s why we’re taking part in the discourse about change in the healthcare system, like at today’s European Forum Wachau,” says BOGNER.
Marco PORAK, General Director of IBM Austria, emphasized in his message the importance of using shared health data. “We should seize the opportunities opened up by the European Health Data Space in conjunction with artificial intelligence in order to harness the added value of digitalization for the health care of Austrian citizens,” said PERAK.
Verena OSSMANN, Manager of Health Technology Hub at Ecoplus, was able to explain the attractiveness of investments in Lower Austria.
“With more than 100 companies that develop and manufacture medical devices, biological and pharmaceutical products, as well as two medical universities and the largest healthcare provider (the State Health Agency) in Europe. Lower Austria is of greatest interest for further investments,” said OSSMANN .
Prim. Assoc. Prof. PD Dr. Thomas EIWEGGER, from the Clinical Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at St. Pölten University Hospital, discussed the implementation of new technologies in his statement. “The most important thing when implementing new technologies in hospitals, in addition to putting the patient first, is the involvement of employees. “In addition, it is necessary to create interfaces that enable low-threshold integration of the technologies without legal obstacles,” says EIWEGGER.
Questions & Contact:
European Forum Wachau
Axel Ganster
+436642513485
axel.ganster@pr-ag.at