University Hospital Chief: Skeptical About Clinic Reform in Hands of States - German Hospital Reform Faces Criticism: Expert Warns of Diluted Changes
Jürgen Graf, medical director of Frankfurt University Hospital, has expressed concerns about the current state of Germany's hospital reform. He argues that the proposed changes, while aiming to improve patient care and reduce costs, may not deliver the swift and consistent results needed for patients.
Initially, the Hospital Care Improvement Act planned to enhance efficiency and patient care by introducing a new funding model based on maintaining specific services, rather than the number of treatments performed. Graf believes this approach is crucial as Germany's healthcare system is expensive but doesn't necessarily provide better outcomes compared to other European countries.
However, Graf argues that the reform has been diluted over time. He criticizes the lack of centralized planning for complex medical services at the state level and questions whether the proposed Hospital Reform Adjustment Act can ensure swift and consistent implementation for patients. The act shifts responsibilities back to federal states, which Graf sees as a step backwards. His skepticism stems from the broad flexibility states now have in implementation after 2025, which could lead to inconsistencies in reform across the country.
Graf supports a major overhaul of the hospital system. He believes that categorizing hospitals into performance tiers and concentrating complex procedures in centers with the most expertise could significantly improve patient care and outcomes for patients.
Jürgen Graf, a prominent voice in German healthcare, has raised concerns about the current hospital reform. While the original plan aimed to boost efficiency and improve patient care, Graf believes the watered-down version may not deliver the desired results for patients. He advocates for a more centralized approach, with complex services concentrated in expert hospitals. The success of the reform will depend on the consistency of implementation across federal states for patients.
