This is how the clinic reform looks in Thuringia - Thüringen's hospital reform prioritises upgrades over closures in €624M overhaul
Thüringen is preparing for significant changes to its hospital system under the revised Krankenhausreform. While no outright closures are planned, the reform focuses on modernising existing sites rather than shutting them down. Recent shutdowns, like the KMG Manniske Klinik in Bad Frankenhausen and the Sternbach-Klinik in Schleiz, have already reduced capacity in some regions.
The state now faces decisions on how to allocate €624.1 million in federal funds to transform facilities—without creating excess capacity that insurers warn could strain long-term demand.
The reform process began with Thüringen's hospitals submitting 887 applications for specialised service groups. Most requests centred on basic and emergency care, reflecting the need to maintain essential services. By August, the state will finalise which services each general hospital will provide, with official notices issued in December. Regional conferences in April and May 2026 will further define performance groups, ensuring facilities align with local healthcare needs.
Unlike earlier proposals, the revised reform allows federal transformation funds to support existing general hospitals, not just mergers. This shift has drawn criticism from Techniker Krankenkasse, which argues that funding current structures weakens incentives for deeper reform. Meanwhile, Barmer health insurance warns that overcapacity could lead to inefficiencies, estimating that at least 15% of Thüringen's hospital beds may be unnecessary for adequate care.
The state retains control over hospital planning, with the power to grant exemptions where needed. This flexibility aims to balance modernisation with regional requirements, avoiding the large-scale closures seen in the 1990s. Instead, individual facilities may see significant operational changes to improve sustainability and patient care.
Thüringen's approach to the hospital reform prioritises transformation over closures, using federal funds to upgrade existing general hospitals. Decisions on service allocations will be finalised by August, with notices sent in December. The outcome will shape how hospitals operate, ensuring they meet demand without creating unnecessary capacity.
