(de-news.net) – The German Federal Cabinet has formally approved a series of amendments to the 2024 hospital reform, as proposed by Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU). These revisions aim to reinforce the overarching objectives of the reform, which include fostering hospital specialization and elevating the overall quality of medical care across the country.
In a statement, the Federal Ministry of Health emphasized that the fundamental goals of the reform remain intact. However, in response to practical challenges identified during initial evaluations, the revised framework incorporates broader exemptions and enhanced cooperation mechanisms among hospitals. A key component of the updated legislation is the introduction of temporary exemptions for federal states, particularly concerning the timeline for implementation and adherence to newly established quality benchmarks. These measures are designed to provide more flexibility and regionally tailored approaches to hospital planning so to ensure continued access to healthcare services in rural and structurally weaker regions and according to specific healthcare landscapes.
Warken reaffirmed the reform’s commitment to consolidating medical services and improving care standards nationwide. She stressed that complex medical procedures should be concentrated in specialized institutions to ensure optimal outcomes. At the same time, she acknowledged that the original version of the reform had not fully accounted for the operational realities of certain regions, necessitating targeted adjustments to prevent disruptions in service provision and to uphold the integrity of rural healthcare infrastructure.
Among the central provisions of the revised legislation is the safeguarding of hospital services in underserved and remote areas through expanded exemption clauses and the promotion of inter-hospital collaboration. The classification of hospital treatments will be organized into 61 distinct service groups, allowing for more precise allocation of resources and expertise. Additionally, regulations aimed at advancing specialization in oncological surgery are being refined to better align with current medical standards and patient needs.
A significant financial restructuring accompanies the reform: the Hospital Transformation Fund, which previously drew support from statutory health insurance contributions, will henceforth be financed directly by the federal government. This shift is intended to provide more stable and equitable funding for the modernization and strategic development of hospital infrastructure throughout Germany.
