A leading figure within the Social Democratic Party (SPD) has cautioned against cuts to healthcare services as an expert commission commences its work on evaluating the financial health of the system. Dagmar Schmidt, deputy parliamentary group chair, emphasized that the commission’s primary focus should be on enhancing patient care.
Speaking to the “Rhinische Post” Schmidt stated that improvements will be best achieved through genuine structural reforms aimed at optimizing the utilization and efficiency of existing resources within the healthcare system. She explicitly ruled out measures such as cost-cutting exercises, privatization efforts, or simply raising contributions.
Schmidt underscored the importance of a fair and supportive healthcare system, arguing that its financing must reflect the same principles of equity and solidarity. She added that those with greater financial means should contribute proportionally more to ensure the sustainability of the system.
