Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s Minister President, Manuela Schwesig (SPD), has sharply criticized Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) regarding proposed restrictions on skin cancer screening covered by statutory health insurance. Speaking to the “Bild am Sonntag” Schwesig stated, “Abolishing skin cancer screening is entirely wrong. Early detection is crucial when combating cancer. We must fight cancer. The statistics for skin cancer are alarming. We must strengthen prevention, not weaken it”. Schwesig, who herself has survived breast cancer, added, “It is true that the federal government is planning a health care reform, and contributions to health insurance funds cannot continue to rise indefinitely. However, it must also be fair and sensible”. The proposed health care reform bill from Federal Health Minister Warken limits the skin cancer screening, which is currently covered by statutory insurance for all insured people aged 35 and over every two years. Under the proposed changes, this screening would only be available for high-risk groups in the future.
Politics
