Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) plans to introduce a primary‑care system to improve the coordination of patient care.
“Doctors’ available time must be used more efficiently” she told Handelsblatt’s Thursday edition, adding that the system needs tighter governance.
Warken said she does not rule out financial levers to enforce the new structure. “If patients refuse to follow the prescribed pathway, we will likely need a control mechanism-perhaps a fee for visits without a referral or a bonus for compliance” she explained.
The ministry intends to submit a draft bill this year. “We are currently working on the primary‑care concept together with health‑system stakeholders and will present a draft in the summer” Warken added.
Patients can expect the reform to unfold gradually alongside Germany’s digitalisation strategy. “The system can be adapted step by step-by 2028 the first tangible changes will be visible for patients”.