Hospital reform: Lauterbach grabs the overdue!

Hospital reform: Lauterbach grabs the overdue!

Klinikreform, Deutschland - Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach focuses on the urgently needed hospital reform in Germany. After earlier ministries shy away from this challenge, Lauterbach recognizes the need for the changes. The prevailing flat rate for the case, which prescribes the hospitals, how to offer their services is at the center of the discussion. This practice has led to clinics carrying out more treatments than is actually necessary to stay financially above water.

However, reality looks different: Many clinics fight with financial deficits. Despite the sunken number of patients and increasing cost pressure, the quality of the treatments often remains behind the expectations. Beds in many facilities are not busy and the personnel equipment is not optimal, which also tightens the situation.

Financial situation of the clinics

The economic situation of many hospitals is tense. Over the years, a system has developed in which clinics have to provide services under growing economic pressure. This situation has led to the treatment of patients often behind financial considerations.

A main problem is the lack of qualified staff who make it difficult for the facilities to ensure adequate care. This in particular questions patient safety and could lead to patients avoiding the hospital or even turning away in the long term. Dr. doctor Lauterbach recognizes this fact and strives for extensive reforms to improve the situation sustainably.

As Lauterbach emphasizes, the given structures are no longer up to date. In order to make the health system more efficient, the minister has also accepted the challenge of developing new financing policies that take a look at both the sustainability of the clinics and the improvement in patient care.

Details about this renovation process will be expected in coming months. The urgency of this reform is reflected in the numerous reports and analyzes that have been published in recent years. A comprehensive approach could not only help the clinics, but also achieve a better result for the patients. In particular, the orientation towards the needs of the patients should become a central pillar of reform work.

The next steps in this important reform are crucial. Lauterbach has already made the first proposals to be brought up to the state governments and sponsors of the clinics. The reaction to these reformist approaches will significantly decide how the health landscape will develop in Germany. Another aspect of this project is the possibility of co-financing for clinics that are ready to try out innovative treatment methods.

The perspectives and possibilities of this reform will be observed more precisely. The persistent dialogue between the federal government, countries and the various healthcare actors is essential for the success of the upcoming measures. The challenge is considerable, but the need for structural change could be visible on the horizon.

For more information and detailed considerations, visit www.sueddeutsche.de .