German Medical Leadership Warns of Imminent Shortage of Essential Supplies
The German healthcare system faces an imminent supply crisis, warns the President of the German Medical Association, Klaus Reinhardt. He urges immediate action to enhance efficiency and prevent a disruption in the healthcare network for patients.
Reinhardt emphasizes the need for better care management, suggesting that patients should ideally register with a general practitioner's office, which would then coordinate further treatment. He is hopeful that plans by the Union and SPD may provide a solution for this pressing issue.
Throughout Germany, patients are burdened with organizing and coordinating their care, putting a strain on vulnerable groups such as the elderly, chronically ill, and those with lower health literacy. Germany averages 9.6 doctor visits per capita annually, with certain regions showing an average of two general practitioners per half of the population.
Reinhardt views this approach as unsustainable, given the widespread staff shortages and limited financial resources. In line with the coalition agreement, the Union and SPD propose a system where patients primarily consult a general practitioner, who then refers them to specialists as needed.
Reinhardt clarifies that referring patients by general practitioners should not serve as a gatekeeping measure, but rather as a necessity when specialist further treatment is required or expected. He also advocates for the "digital before outpatient before inpatient" principle, which involves assessing and advising patients digitally first, followed by outpatient care, and inpatient care, if necessary.
Moreover, Reinhardt emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive action due to the aging population and increasing medical needs, coupled with the retirement of many specialists without sufficient new recruits. Although specific proposals for a complete overhaul of the German healthcare system have yet to be detailed by the German Medical Association, measures such as encouraging retired doctors to return to work with incentives are being suggested to address the growing shortage of medical professionals.
Sources: ntv.de, rog/dpa
Health Policy, Healthcare System
- The Union and SPD, as proposed by the President of the German Medical Association, Klaus Reinhardt, are planning to restructure the German healthcare system by primarily having patients consult with a general practitioner, aiming to enhance care management and prevent a disruption in the healthcare network.
- Reinhardt suggests managers of the health system to implement science-based, efficient practices that address medical-conditions, ensuring the provision of necessary care for the health-and-wellness of all individuals, particularly vulnerable groups like the elderly, chronically ill, and those with lower health literacy.
- Facing an imminent supply crisis due to staff shortages and limited financial resources, Reinhardt encourages immediate political action to reform the health system and tackle pressing general-news issues concerning the growing shortage of medical professionals.
