The German General Practitioners Association is heavily criticizing the federal government for failing to adequately protect citizens during heatwaves. Nicola Buhlinger-Göpfarth, the association’s federal president, stated to the Funke Media Group newspapers that “the federal government is abandoning practices concerning heat protection.” She argued that years of promises regarding the prioritization of heat defense failed to result in any actual actions. She demanded that the government fulfill its responsibility and take concrete steps instead of merely issuing declarations of intent whenever hot weather arrives.
Buhlinger-Göpfarth pointed out that the previous government had announced a comprehensive package of measures three years ago, which included compensating general practice physicians for providing medical education during heatwaves. The association president criticized the status quo, saying that “de facto, nothing has happened to this day,” noting that the issue disappeared from the political agenda once the summer season ended.
Given the current intense heatwave, the association warns that older adults and chronically ill patients are particularly vulnerable. Therefore, structured consultation in general practices and nursing homes is essential. These consultations must extend beyond general advice, such as drinking enough water or avoiding the midday heat. Buhlinger-Göpfarth stressed that sometimes medications must be reviewed or adjusted, and patients need to be informed about how to properly store heat-sensitive drugs like insulin. She noted, “This is not trivial and takes time,” emphasizing that many individuals depend on the support provided by their family doctor.
The association president urged the federal government to use the current heatwave as an impetus for actionable measures, stating that “a reasonably funded heat protection consultation in practices would be the absolute minimum.” Furthermore, nursing homes must be equipped to provide proper heat protection for their residents, an assurance that is often lacking during site visits.
The German Weather Service (DWD) anticipates the peak of the current heatwave over the weekend, with temperatures predicted to reach up to 40 degrees Celsius in several regions of Germany.
