Lauterbach: Eastern Germany Ready for Nationwide Hospital Overhaul
Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) thinks the eastern German regions are well-positioned for the nationwide hospital overhaul. Following a video conference with state leaders, he commended their upgraded hospital structures. This investment provides hospitals with a solid financial footing even in sparsely populated areas with dwindling health cases.
Outpatient care benefits from modern primary care centers and municipal medical care hubs, offering good alternatives to strict divisions between outpatient and inpatient care.
According to Saxony's Head, Michael Kretschmer (CDU), the eastern German hospitals' consolidation since the 1990s should factor into the reform. The goal is to fortify cross-sectoral healthcare, legislate it, and develop an appropriate compensation system. Outpatient and inpatient planning must be more synced.
Eastern German hospital reform focuses on remuneration system changes, digitalization, and fortifying cross-sectoral care. By replacing DRG-based flat-rate fees with specific-service payouts, hospitals can alleviate financial strain and improve quality and efficiency.
The Nationwide Medical Research Act (MFG) entering force in 2024 aims to reinvent Germany as a pharmaceutical hub by keeping reimbursement negotiations between pharmaceutical companies and health insurance associations confidential.
From January 1, 2025, hospitals will begin the gradual adoption of the reform until 2029, with implementing acts required to develop quality criteria and divide service groups among hospitals. To further digitalize healthcare, the introduction of the electronic patient record (ePA) will consolidate patients', doctors', hospitals', and pharmacies' health information access.
Researching pharmaceuticals and producing medicaments in Germany will be easier due to the MFG. Until June 30, 2028, reimbursement negotiation prices can remain confidential under certain conditions, boosting Germany's pharmaceutical industry attractiveness.
