The DGB has deemed the recent reform proposals from the Finance Commission on Health unsuitable. “The reform suggestions are not internally coherent or homogeneous” said DGB chair Yasmin Fahimi to the “Tagesspiegel”.
The 66 concrete recommendations reflect “very diverse viewpoints” leaving unclear whether the government intends only to cut services or to make genuine structural changes. Fahimi added that fundamental reforms would require the government to confront lobbying groups head‑on.
According to Fahimi, the greatest savings potential lies in the health system, whereas there is little room for cuts in nursing: “We are an ageing society, so I see little saving leeway in care”.
She criticized private‑equity firms that target the entire health sector. These companies not only acquire hospitals but increasingly buy doctors’ practices, placing physicians on the payroll of trillion‑valued conglomerates. “Billing is, on average, ten percent higher per patient than with independent doctors” she noted, and asked how this could be justified.
Fahimi called on Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) to set clear limits for profit‑oriented providers in health care. “The government must impose strict restrictions on profit‑driven companies in the health sector” she urged, adding that she expected Warken to finally take action against these globally operating corporations.
In the medium term, she said care should be organized exclusively as a non‑profit system. Fahimi does not consider the fact that Germans visit a doctor roughly nine times a year to be excessive, noting that it is not a leisure activity.
The DGB chief advocated expanding integrated care structures. She urged Germany to consistently develop health centers that house a range of specialists, so that patients receive comprehensive, “one‑stop” care that also drives down costs.
