Process, initiative; ongoing

Submitted by / 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 benefitted 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 a 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 Czech Republic 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 deadline with confidential data. In the realm of cross-border emergency healthcare, harmonising or reconciling administrative procedures, equipment and communication systems becomes imperatives, all issues which are addressed within this initiative.

Macro-regional dimension

AT, CZ, HU, SK, RO, DE; expected impact on all Danube Region countries

Stakeholders involved

PA 10, Danube Region Hospitals and Healthcare providers, ministries of responsible for healthcare, cities in cross-border regions

Budget and Funding

Interreg cross-border Programmes, Danube Region Programme Seed Money Facility

Further information

Cross-border emergency healthcare in the Danube Region

Contact

Teresa Stummer (teresa.stummer@noel.gv.at)