The service union Verdi has intensified its criticism of the proposed legislation concerning the financing of statutory health insurance. Sylvia Bühler, a board member for Verdi, stated on Sunday that potentially removing mandatory personnel requirements in hospitals could be “potentially life-threatening” to patients.
Reports indicate that the institution used to measure staffing needs, known as PPR 2.0-which was developed by Verdi, the German Hospital Association, and the German Nurses’ Council-is slated for abolition. Bühler explained that the introduction of PPR 2.0 had been a critical response to “unbearable conditions” within hospitals, particularly those made visible during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The union has reserved the right to enforce further collective bargaining agreements aimed at securing more staffing and increased support in hospitals if legislators fail to “meet their responsibilities.” While current plans suggest that the care budget will be replaced by a new financing system starting in 2028, with nursing staff costs capped until then, Bühler strongly demanded that funding should be based on actual nursing requirements rather than “arbitrary financial dictates.”
Furthermore, the union representative urged the Bundestag to urgently amend the draft law to prevent “massive negative consequences” for hospitals, patients, and employees. Adding fierce political commentary, she criticized the parliamentary process, remarking that passing a law with such far-reaching implications “in turbo mode is an outrage and a disregard for fundamental democratic principles.” Government plans suggest that both the Bundestag and Bundesrat are set to pass the bill this week.
