Andreas Gassen, the chairman of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV), has issued a warning that patient care quality will deteriorate as a result of the coalition government’s austerity plans. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post”, Gassen noted that even locally practicing doctors would only be able to work based purely on revenue. He stated, “Further capping of remuneration means that there will be fewer available appointments in the future, and waiting times will become longer”. He added a pointed criticism, stating that since the government prioritizes saving, that is the inevitable consequence. Gassen argued that the healthcare system’s policymakers must be honest with the legally insured citizens about this situation. He mentioned that his organization has put forward several proposals aimed at making the system more cost-efficient without compromising the quality of care, but it remains to be seen whether the government will embrace these suggestions. This warning follows previous criticism from the local practitioners’ association, which had also cautioned against the black-red coalition’s savings measures, citing fears of fewer clinics, declining service, and increased waiting times.
Politics
