Germany is embarking on a significant hospital reform, spearheaded by the Union and SPD, with a focus on structural and financial overhauls. A key aspect of the reform is the decision to fund part of the initiative through the country's substantial infrastructure special funds, rather than relying solely on traditional healthcare insurance sources.
The reform, initially introduced by Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, aims to enhance hospital specialization and move away from case-based funding. This shift is intended to elevate the quality of care and mitigate financial distress within the healthcare sector. The reform also seeks to address the fiscal challenges faced by hospitals, particularly in rural areas, by granting exceptions and fostering extended cooperation.
The financial strategy includes closing the operational cost gaps from previous years and redefining specialized hospitals to ensure their continued relevance and operation across regions. Furthermore, the reform suggests that the financial stability of essential hospitals is crucial, proposing coverage of budgetary shortfalls from 2022 and 2023.
While the reform has received support from some quarters, it faces criticism from others, such as the Green party, which considers the measures insufficient. Alongside healthcare reform, there is a broader call from local governments for a greater share of the 500-billion-euro special funds to address urban infrastructure needs.
The reform is a critical component of broader coalition negotiations, with discussions continuing on how best to balance these ambitious plans with fiscal responsibility and regional needs. The outcome of these negotiations could significantly influence the future landscape of Germany's healthcare and municipal infrastructure.
