Hospitals in a Financial Dilemma: Urgent Need for Clear Aid Terms from Coalition
Urgent Call for Explanation Over Emergency Aid at Medical Center by GMK Chairperson - Chairman of GMK demands clarification regarding the initial aid procedures at clinics
In a press conference, the head of Thuringia's health department, Katharina Schenk, Chairperson of the Conference of Health Ministers, emphasized the pressing need for answers regarding the emergency aid for hospitals promised in the Union (CDU/CSU) and SPD coalition agreement. "We need to know the payment terms and an estimated timeframe," Schenk stated to the German Press Agency in Erfurt.
During coalition talks, CDU and SPD agreed to reimburse hospitals for their inflation-induced operating cost increases in 2022 and 2023. Schenk expressed her optimism that the newly appointed Federal Health Minister, Nina Warken (CDU), is fully cognizant of the gravity of the situation. For the clinical institutions, emergency aid is deemed "absolutely indispensable."
Inflation-related expenses have triggered operational challenges for numerous hospitals during and post-pandemic periods.
Schenk underscored the potential loss of staff if there's even a hint of unsteadiness in the project, especially considering East Germany's current "extreme lack" of skilled and labor workforce. It's paramount to guarantee that hospitals won't succumb to "uncontrolled bankruptcy" before the January 2027 hospital reform décided by the federal government takes effect.
GKV association's spokesperson informed the German Press Agency that additional funds for hospitals would heighten healthcare insurance contributions. "Avoid unnecessary contribution increases at all costs," he asserted. The hospitals already receive more funds annually than ever before, with over 100 billion euros in total.
Gerald Gaß, head of the German Hospital Association, expressed the urgent need for emergency aid to alleviate the financial pressures the sector is facing. The Russian aggression on Ukraine has introduced price hikes for which hospitals have yet to secure an inflation adjustment. Gaß advocated for "fundamental deregulation" as the most effective measure, which he believes would involve a "bureaucratic simplification program" to stimulate the economy and enhance care while also saving costs.
This year's Conference of Health Ministers of the federal states will commence on Wednesday in Weimar, with Thuringia taking the lead. The new Federal Minister, Warken, will also be attending the meeting.
Keywords:
- Clarity
- Thuringia
- Schenk
- Hospitals
- Conference of Health Ministers
- Emergency aid
- Erfurt
- SPD
- German Press Agency
- CDU
- Nina Warken
- Federal government
- Coalition agreement
In-depth Analysis:
The urgency and uncertainty surrounding the emergency aid for hospitals promised in the German coalition agreement are significant.
Details of the Aid:- The aid is intended to offset hospitals' inflation-induced operating cost increases incurred in 2022 and 2023.[2][3]- The German Hospital Federation (DKG) is striving for immediate financial support to address the financial strain on hospitals, with approximately 80% of hospitals operating at a deficit.[1]- The DKG has specifically requested €4 billion in emergency aid to stabilize the sector.[1]
Expectations and Timeline:- The coalition agreement announced this aid, but there's no clear timeline for implementation.[1][2]- Health leaders, including Katharina Schenk, chairwoman of the Conference of Health Ministers, are calling for clarity on how and when the aid will be disbursed.[2][3]- The new Federal Health Minister, Nina Warken, is expected to address these concerns, with hopes that she will implement the plans more effectively than her predecessor.[1][2]
- Schenk, emphasizing clarity in the Coalition agreement, called for definite payment terms and a timeframe for the promised emergency aid to hospitals, as a lack of information could lead to financial instability and potential staff loss within the hospitals.
- In the face of increasing medical-conditions and healthcare costs, Schenk highlighted the significance of vocational training in Thuringia's workforce development to alleviate the current extreme lack of skilled labor, ensuring the operational continuity of hospitals before the planned hospital reform in 2027.
- As the situation requires a comprehensive solution, Gerald Gaß, head of the German Hospital Association, advocated for fundamental deregulation, including a bureaucratic simplification program, to stimulate the economy, enhance care, save costs, and address the current financial dilemma of hospitals in the context of general-news such as the Russian aggression on Ukraine causing price hikes.
