Hospital reform: Lauterbach warns of hundreds of clinic closures!

Hospital reform: Lauterbach warns of hundreds of clinic closures!

In a clear indication of the future development of the German healthcare system, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach has announced that hundreds of hospitals will close by 2033. The SPD politician explained this in an interview with “Bild am Sonntag”. According to his assessment, this reduction will be particularly noticeable in larger cities in western Germany.

A key reason for these closures is the decline in medical demand for many of the currently existing clinics. Lauterbach pointed out that one in three hospital beds currently remains unused and the staffing situation in many facilities is tense. However, particularly in rural regions, particular emphasis is placed on maintaining urgently needed hospitals, which are to be supported through subsidies.

The reformative redesign of the health system

As part of a comprehensive hospital reform, the financing of clinics is to be placed on a new basis. The plan stipulates that from 2025 the clinics will no longer be paid exclusively through flat rates per treatment case. Instead, they receive 60 percent of the compensation just for providing certain offers. This is intended to help reduce the pressure of treating large numbers of patients and improve the quality of care.

Lauterbach describes the reform as revolutionary and is considered the biggest transformation of the health system in two decades. With around 1,700 hospitals, Germany currently has the highest density of medical facilities in Europe. Nevertheless, many clinics are struggling with financial losses, which can lead to a worrying increase in the risk of bankruptcy. Lauterbach explains this as another reason for the urgent reform measures: Without changes, there is a risk of poorer treatment and longer journeys for patients.

As can be seen from other sources, Lauterbach hopes that the reform will stabilize the contribution rates for health insurance among the general public. Although there are forecasts of increasing contributions for 2026, the minister is optimistic and sees no need for another increase. He emphasizes that the previous and current reforms play a crucial role in keeping contribution rates in check. It is a theoretical estimate that an increase of 0.8 points to 2.5 percent of contributory income could be necessary, an estimate that each health insurance company can implement individually.

Despite the far-reaching changes, there is resistance. There is criticism, particularly from the opposition, that Lauterbach lacks self-critical transparency in view of the impending explosion in contributions. CDU health politician Tino Sorge reacted on social media and called the situation alarming.

The reform is scheduled to come into force on January 1, 2025, with implementation gradual until 2029. However, in order to make these reforms successful, an intensive discussion is required about the financial resources needed to secure the existing clinics.

For further detailed information about the planned hospital reforms and their impact on the German healthcare system, visit www.zvw.de.