A senior physician within the German military general staff has cautioned about potential gaps in the nation’s civilian healthcare infrastructure should a large-scale military conflict arise. Generalstabsarzt Johannes Backus, in comments to the Handelsblatt newspaper, emphasized that decades of relative peace have resulted in a reduction or loss of critical healthcare planning and operational capabilities.
While acknowledging the continued existence of medical expertise in Germany, Backus stated that the current level of skill and resource availability would be insufficient to manage a situation of significant conflict independently. He underscored the necessity for targeted investment in healthcare facilities designated as critical infrastructure (KRITIS).
Backus advocated for coordinated planning between the federal government and individual states, coupled with an expanded framework for preventative measures and security regulations. He highlighted the importance of a robust legal foundation to facilitate the development of a sustainable and resilient healthcare structure.
Furthermore, he stressed the imperative of addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities within the healthcare system. Backus noted that cyberattacks on hospitals are already occurring, with some systems experiencing disruptions lasting up to 72 hours. He described a stable civilian cyber defense capability as an integral part of essential public services.
In a related development, Germany is currently establishing a pharmaceutical production facility for the armed forces, intended to manufacture specialized medications for deployment in challenging operational environments. Backus also called for a broader repatriation of pharmaceutical production capabilities within Germany to ensure national security and supply chain resilience.
