Medical Association Leader Warns: Germany Faces Crisis in Critical Supply
Article:
Germany's Healthcare System Faces Supply Crisis, Warns President of Doctors Klaus Reinhardt
Germany's healthcare system, known for its high costs and inefficiencies, could experience a supply crisis if immediate action isn't taken, according to Klaus Reinhardt, president of the German Medical Association.
Reinhardt emphasized the need for better management of care, suggesting it should become the norm for patients to register with a general practitioner (GP) practice that coordinates further treatment. "Germany's patients are left to organize and coordinate their care on their own, which is unsustainable, especially for the most vulnerable – the elderly, chronically ill, and those with lower health literacy," said Reinhardt.
The looming crisis and call for reform were the main topics at the German Medical Assembly this week. The new Federal Minister of Health, Nina Warken, is expected to attend the event in Leipzig.
Reinhardt also highlighted that Germany has one of the highest rates of doctor visits per capita worldwide, averaging 9.6 visits per person per year. In certain regions, half of the population has an average of two GPs, causing some to question the system's efficiency.
Measures proposed by the Union and SPD coalition aim to improve healthcare system efficiency, with a focus on outpatient care improvements, hospital reforms, and digitalization, among others. Both parties plan to introduce a system where patients primarily visit GPs' practices, who would then refer them to specialists as needed.
The president of the German Medical Association expressed his support for these proposed reforms, advocating for quality medical care, balanced hospital and outpatient services, and transparent regulation of investor-owned care centers to ensure patient-centered care.
The coalition's proposed reforms are intended to create a more efficient, transparent, and patient-oriented healthcare system by 2027, addressing staff shortages and limited financial resources that currently contribute to the system's inefficiencies.
Source: ntv.de, rog/dpa
- Health Policy
- Healthcare System
The proposed reforms in Germany's healthcare system, as advocated by the Union and SPD coalition, aim to integrate vocational training for healthcare professionals, thereby improving the system's efficiency. Furthermore, the reforms will emphasize community policy that fosters patient-centered healthcare, particularly focusing on the needs of those with medical-conditions, promoting health-and-wellness and chronic disease management.
