Josef Kandlhofer

Dr. Josef Kandlhofer has been the spokesman for the management of HVSV, the Main Association of Austrian Social Security Institutions, since 1 January 2002. After completing his legal training, Kandlhofer, a native Styrian, first worked as a social services specialist at the Lower Austrian Farmers' Federation. In 1980 he began his career in the social security field as a specialist in the department for health/accident insurance and rehabilitation at SVB, the farmers’ social security institution. On 1 November 1988, Dr. Kandlhofer was named director general of SVB and held that position until switching to the top management position at HVSV. Asked to explain his involvement to the FGÖ Board, Dr. Kandlhofer said:

"The patients and the insured should take a much more active role in helping to shape the health care system in the future. An important prerequisite for that is to increase the information provided and passed along. The patients must be given knowledge that will empower them to shape their own lifestyles in a positive way."