The German Federal Cabinet is scheduled to discuss revisions to Health Minister Karl Lauterbach’s hospital reform plan on Wednesday. Ahead of the meeting, North Rhine-Westphalia’s Health Minister, Karl-Josef Laumann (CDU), has urged the federal government to adhere to proposed changes presented by Federal Minister Nina Warken (CDU).
Laumann emphasized the need for sensible exceptions within the draft legislation to ensure comprehensive and high-quality hospital care across the country, stating that this remains the primary objective of the reform. He highlighted a consensus among the states regarding the importance of these modifications.
Speaking to the “Rheinische Post”, Laumann specifically referenced a previous resolution from the Health Ministers’ Conference, asserting that its stipulations align with agreements outlined in the federal coalition treaty. He suggested all parties should respect this established framework.
The core of the state ministers’ request centers on granting greater flexibility to regional authorities in the allocation of service categories. The aim is to specifically safeguard hospital provision in rural areas, where access can be particularly challenging.
The proposed Hospital Structure Adjustment Act (KHAG), spearheaded by Minister Warken, is the subject of discussion at the Federal Cabinet meeting on Wednesday and its consideration will focus on incorporating these proposed adjustments.
