Lisa Shibata, Comparative Healthcare in Graz Summer 2024
What stood out to me the most in this program was the comparison of the healthcare structures and values between Austria and America, which highlighted the key differences and similarities. Private insurance companies and Big Pharma drive America’s healthcare system. While there are high innovations and quality technologies, this leads to residents’ unaffordability or unnecessary drug prescriptions. On the other hand, Austria’s healthcare system is universal; moreover, affordable insurance and medications are only seven euros set by EU law, equivalent to 7.62 dollars. It has access to all residents whether they are low-income or even homeless. A homeless shelter we visited, VinziDorf, is a place for only males who do not have shelter can stay temporarily or as long as they desire. This is a government institution and the staff volunteers to provide care for these gentlemen whether that’s physically or mentally.
An interesting observation I made while exploring the city was the work/life balance the community had. The shops and restaurants were closed on holidays and Sundays, allowing people to plan their errands and spend more time with their family or friends. Many stores closed before eight p.m. so sometimes I had trouble finding something to eat since I was used to eating a late dinner. I also noticed the locals’ commuting decisions were walking, taking the tram, or by bike. On top of that, it was more common for people to walk or jog as an exercise which I do not see often in America. Whenever I turned my head, I saw at least two people walking or jogging. America is such an innovative country that they can create technology that makes our lives much easier. However, if America starts to incorporate the lifestyles Austrians have and find value in humans’ physiological nature, I believe we can live a more relaxed life. I learned an important aspect of holistic care that Austrian healthcare provides to their locals and patients. Using Vinzidorf as an example, the volunteers there help the residents who struggle with alcohol withdrawal, PTSD, anxiety, etc. Not only do they care for their physical wounds, but they also care for their mental health as well. Instead of treating them as numbers or for their benefit, they create individual services that will improve their quality of personal life, which I believe should be the basic ethic that every healthcare worker should follow. I’m not saying Austrian healthcare is better than American healthcare or the other way around, but I will say both systems can incorporate each other’s healthcare values to improve the overall system
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