Lower Austria is undergoing a significant healthcare reform aimed at modernizing its system to meet future challenges.

The reform includes the consolidation of hospitals, with facilities in Hollabrunn, Korneuburg, and Stockerau merging into a single modern center.

A new hospital and primary care center will be built in Gmünd, costing €120 million.

Melk's hospital will specialize in geriatric care, while its maternity services will move to Amstetten and Scheibbs.

Emergency medical services will also see changes, with the number of ambulance stations reduced from 32 to 21, but offset by better-equipped air rescue and an increase in community nursing services.

The reform has sparked debate, but a recent survey shows strong public support for these changes, with 96% agreeing on the need for a systemic overhaul.