Process, initiative; ongoing
EUSDR Priority Area(s): PA 10 Institutional Capacity & Cooperation
Smooth cross-border emergency healthcare is a major contribution to better quality of life, in particular for people living in border regions. Thus, this initiative reconciles legal, administrative, technical and cultural aspects of cross-border cooperation. In doing so, the initiative benefits from a strong political will and dedicated partners.
Objectives: The aim of the initiative is to enhance cross-border patient care and medical services. Specifically, it also aims at expanding inpatient treatment, test feasibility of sharing medical services and promote knowledge sharing among healthcare specialists as well as planning and implementing cross-border health centres. Despite emergency healthcare not being as widespread as it should be, there are some initial and successful initiatives in place. The project “Healthacross for future” between Austria and the Czechia is a good practice example to learn a lot from. By providing such good practice examples this initiative benefitted from a strong political will and dedicated partners.
Need and (expected) impact: In the context of the Danube Region Strategy, it is essential to address the significance of cross-border emergency situations and the trust required in people and services. Additionally, effective cross-border cooperation must overcome language barriers, considering that healthcare is a sensitive domain with confidential data. In the realm of cross-border emergency healthcare, harmonising or reconciling administrative procedures, equipment and communication systems becomes imperative, all issues which are addressed within this initiative.
Macro-regional dimension: Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, Germany; expected impact on all Danube Region countries
Stakeholders involved: PA 10, Danube Region Hospitals and Healthcare providers, ministries responsible for healthcare, cities in cross-border regions
Budget and Funding: Interreg cross-border Programmes, Interreg Danube Region Programme Seed Money Facility
Further information: https://capacitycooperation.danube-region.eu/activities/cross-border-emergency-healthcare-danube-region
Contact: Ms Maga. Teresa Stummer, Policy Officer for International and European Affairs, Lower Austrian Federal Government,
