Germany’s hospital sector is escalating its calls for a radical overhaul of the nation’s healthcare system, proposing measures that critics warn could disproportionately impact vulnerable populations while offering a potential financial boost to struggling hospitals. Gerald Gaß, CEO of the German Hospital Confederation (DKG), articulated these demands in an interview with “Bild”, highlighting a need to curb escalating expenditures within the publicly funded system.
The DKG’s most controversial proposal involves doubling patient co-payments for hospital stays, increasing the daily fee from 10 to 20 euros. Gaß estimates this adjustment could generate an additional 800 million euros annually for health insurance funds. Furthermore, the DKG is pushing for fees of between 30 and 40 euros to be levied on patients accessing emergency rooms without prior telephone consultation or triage. This, according to Gaß, would deter non-essential usage of these critical resources.
Beyond increased patient financial responsibility, the DKG is advocating for a sweeping deregulation of hospital operations and a significant focus on preventative healthcare measures. Gaß emphasized the importance of expanded sports programs and nutritional education in schools and nurseries, alongside a swift implementation of a sugar tax aimed at combating rising obesity rates.
While the DKG presents these proposals as essential to the long-term financial stability of the healthcare system, opposition voices are already mounting. Critics contend that increasing patient co-payments will create a barrier to necessary care, particularly for low-income individuals and those with pre-existing conditions. Concerns are also being raised about the potential for reduced access to emergency services if fees are perceived as prohibitive.
The proposals are likely to fuel a heated political debate, with the potential for significant clashes between the DKG, government policymakers, patient advocacy groups and health insurance providers. The suggested “deregulation” also invites scrutiny regarding potential compromises in quality of care and patient safety if safety nets and oversight mechanisms are weakened. The debate underscores the increasing pressure on Germany’s generous welfare state and the difficult choices facing lawmakers as they grapple with the challenges of fiscal sustainability and equitable healthcare access.
