Health Policy in Germany: Current Issues

German health policy faces significant challenges and needs to adapt to new realities. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the digitization of medicine are particularly crucial.

Reforms in the healthcare sector are highly relevant. Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach is focusing on digitization, which he sees as the future of medicine in Germany.

The financing of the healthcare system is a central issue. Discussions revolve around hospital reform and improving care. These topics will shape health policy in the coming years.

Current Challenges in German Health Policy

The German healthcare system faces numerous challenges. Key issues include the COVID-19 pandemic, digitization, and financing, all of which significantly impact health insurance and patient rights.

Managing the COVID-19 Pandemic

The pandemic has profoundly changed the healthcare system. There is a need for new treatments for Long COVID. The WHO has issued guidelines for investigating new pathogens to help prepare for future pandemics.

Digitization in Healthcare

The introduction of the electronic patient file (ePA) is driving digitization forward. Telemedicine is becoming increasingly important, providing new ways to deliver patient care.

These developments enhance patient rights by improving access to medical services.

Financing the Healthcare System

The costs for protective equipment have placed an additional burden on the system. Health insurers now need to finance long-term, ensure quality of care, and expand digital offerings.

Hospital Reform: Goals and Controversies

Hospital reform is a crucial part of health reforms in Germany. Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach aims to fundamentally reshape the hospital landscape to improve patient care and stabilize hospital finances.

A key aspect is the realignment of university hospitals, which are to focus more on complex cases. The concept of cost-covering principles for specialty hospitals is also under discussion, potentially altering their financing.

The reform faces mixed reactions. Catholic hospitals have concerns about its implementation and potential negative impacts on care quality. Health insurers are monitoring developments closely, fearing that changes in hospital structure might affect contributions.

Regional differences in hospital planning are evident. For example, a report in Thuringia recommends reducing hospital beds. These regional variations highlight the complexity of the reform and the importance of considering local conditions.

Health Policy and Care Reform

German health policy is grappling with significant challenges. The care shortage and necessary health reforms are currently hotly debated. The government has initiated various measures to address the situation.

Care Assistance Act: New Training Standards

A significant step is the new Care Assistance Act, which introduces uniform training standards for care assistants across the country. The goal is to make the profession more attractive and address the care shortage. The training is well-compensated to attract young people to the care profession.

Measures to Combat the Care Shortage

The care shortage is a major challenge. In addition to improved training, the policy includes other measures:

• Increasing training positions
• Recruiting foreign professionals
• Promoting digitization in care

Improving Working Conditions in Care

Good working conditions are crucial for retaining care staff. Health reforms aim to improve the situation with better pay, regulated working hours, and support for mental health. Only through these measures can the care shortage be addressed long-term.

Prevention and Health Promotion

Preventive medicine is becoming increasingly important in the German healthcare system. Research shows that simple measures can have a significant impact. For example, hypertensive nasal drops in children can significantly reduce the duration of colds.

Smoking cessation is another critical area. Smokers with heart conditions can reduce their risk by 44% if they quit. This demonstrates how preventive measures can be effective in the healthcare system.

Projects like FRESHAIR4Life target teenagers, addressing air pollution and tobacco use. These initiatives represent a shift towards a more preventive health policy in Germany.

Preventive medicine is crucial for relieving the healthcare system. It lowers long-term costs and improves quality of life. However, this requires continuous investment and collaboration within the healthcare sector.

Pharmaceutical Policy and Supply Security

Pharmaceutical policy is crucial in the German healthcare system. It ensures the safe distribution of medications and supports research while keeping drug prices affordable for everyone.

Measures Against Supply Shortages

The government is planning to prevent supply shortages by:

• Establishing emergency reserves
• Strengthening domestic production
• Improving supply chains

These steps aim to make the healthcare system more secure.

Promotion of Pharmaceutical Research

Research into new medications is strongly supported. For example, RNAi therapeutics represent a promising approach for treating severe diseases.

Regulation of Drug Prices

Controlling drug prices is essential to ensure medications remain affordable. The healthcare system is exploring new pricing models and engaging in negotiations with manufacturers.

Future of the Electronic Health Record (ePA)

The ePA is a key component of the digital transformation in healthcare. It enhances connectivity and patient care. The KBV supports medical practices with extensive information on using the ePA.

Digital data are vital for the future of medicine. The ePA facilitates access to important health information and improves collaboration between doctors, clinics, and other healthcare providers, potentially enhancing treatment.

Health Minister Karl Lauterbach sees significant potential in digitalization. The ePA and telemedicine could greatly improve healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas by easing access to specialists.

The future of the ePA depends on its acceptance. Data protection and user-friendliness are crucial. If well implemented, the ePA could significantly enhance healthcare in Germany.

FAQ on German Health Policy

How is German health policy addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath?

The pandemic poses significant challenges to the healthcare system. Long-term effects like Long COVID require new treatment approaches. The federal government is working on measures to manage the pandemic and its consequences.

What role does digitalization play in German health policy?

Digitalization in healthcare is advancing, particularly with the introduction of the electronic health record (ePA). Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach views digitalization as a key to the future of medicine.

How is the financing of the German healthcare system being secured?

Financing the healthcare system is a central issue. The costs of protective equipment have strained finances. There are discussions about reforms for long-term financing.

What are the goals of the planned hospital reform?

The hospital reform aims to change the patient structure of university hospitals and improve their finances. There is discussion about a cost-covering principle for specialized clinics.

What measures are being taken in the nursing reform?

The federal cabinet has approved a draft for a nursing assistant law. This aims to standardize training for nursing assistants across the country. There are also discussions on improving working conditions and addressing the nursing shortage.

What role do preventive measures play in German health policy?

Preventive measures are becoming increasingly important. Studies show that simple actions like nasal drops for children or smoking cessation for heart patients can be effective.

How will the pharmaceutical supply in Germany be secured and improved?

Pharmaceutical policy focuses on ensuring supply and promoting research. Measures against supply shortages and price regulation are key.

What role should the electronic health record (ePA) play in the future?

The Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung supports the introduction of the ePA. Structured data are important for the digital advancement of medicine. The ePA aims to improve connectivity in healthcare and optimize care.