In the struggle for the controversial hospital reform, the health minister consulted with his country colleagues and is optimistic.
The federal and state governments are making progress in the struggle for hospital reform. After joint consultations in Berlin, Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach (SPD) spoke of a breakthrough and an important step forward.
“The basic structure of the reform is in place.” He is confident of getting a draft law over the summer so that the reform can start in early 2024. Key points for this should therefore be worked out before the summer break in coordination with the federal states. The next federal-state round is scheduled for June 29th.
Lauterbach made it clear that, among other things, an agreement had been reached on the basis for the allocation of services. He emphasized that the federal government also wants to stick to uniform quality criteria. No agreement was reached with the countries on this. The chairman of the state ministers, Manne Lucha (Greens) from Baden-Württemberg, nevertheless spoke of great progress overall. “This reform must succeed.”
In essence, the remuneration system is to be changed with flat rates for treatment cases in order to relieve the hospitals of economic pressure. Discussions with the federal states are primarily about the planned classification of the clinic network with corresponding financing – from basic care close to home to a second level with further offers up to maximum care providers such as university clinics. Uniform quality criteria are also planned so that clinics can provide certain services. The industry had recently again warned of the acute financial difficulties of many hospitals.
Source: Stern
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