The German government’s Patient Advocate is demanding the establishment of a centralized national register to track all professional disciplinary actions against physicians, escalating concerns over systemic failures in patient safety oversight. Stefan Schwartze, in an interview with “Der Spiegel”, criticized the current fragmented system, stating that cooperation between medical chambers and licensing authorities is demonstrably inadequate. A central register, he argues, would provide clarity on instances of misconduct and ultimately bolster patient protection.
The call for reform follows investigative reports by “Der Spiegel” and ZDF, which uncovered significant shortcomings in how medical chambers and licensing bodies respond to allegations of professional misconduct. These reports suggest a pattern of ignored warnings and delayed responses regarding physicians exhibiting concerning behavior.
A particularly troubling case from Baden-Württemberg, highlighted in the investigations, exemplifies the problem. A physician with a history of serious professional failings, including the revocation of his license in Norway due to significant technical deficiencies in 2021, continued to practice in Germany. The Stuttgart licensing authority was aware of the Norwegian revocation and had received warnings from Norwegian authorities, but the physician’s German license remained valid. The regional government attributed this to a balancing act between patient safety and the constitutional right to professional freedom – a justification drawing considerable scrutiny.
The revelations underscore deep-seated flaws within Germany’s medical oversight infrastructure. Medical chambers, ostensibly tasked with oversight, education and transparency, have often been slow or unresponsive to concerning indications. Janosch Dahmen, a Green Party member of the Bundestag, emphasized the chamber’s crucial responsibility, highlighting that while they lack the power to revoke licenses, they must diligently address any reported concerns. “Medical practice is built on trust – and that trust demands decisive action before further harm is done.
Support for Schwartze’s proposal is growing. Licensing authorities across multiple federal states have voiced their agreement and the suggestion is slated for discussion at a meeting of health ministers in late January. The proposal marks a potentially significant shift in German medical regulation, raising questions about the balance between individual professional rights and the absolute imperative of patient safety and accountability. Critics argue that the current system, prioritizing bureaucratic procedures over potentially life-saving intervention, demands urgent and comprehensive reform.
