In a move announced by the Health Ministry on Thursday, Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) has renamed the Federal Centre for Health Education to the Federal Institute for Public Health (BIÖG) ahead of the election. According to the ministry, the renaming was done by ministerial order.
Lauterbach explained the goal of the renaming, stating that it aims to combine the scientific expertise of the Robert Koch Institute with the communicative competence of the Federal Centre for Health Education. “The BIÖG will convey knowledge about healthy behaviors in an easily understandable way and also collect, analyze and prepare data” he said.
However, Bavarian Health Minister Judith Gerlach (CSU) has expressed sharp criticism of the plans. “It is quite transparent that the Federal Health Minister is now trying to push his ideas from above, on the last stretch before the federal election” Gerlach told the Süddeutsche Zeitung.
Gerlach expressed concerns that the process could result in important aspects and procedures being overlooked. She praised Lauterbach for his ambitions, but added, “He must recognize that he has achieved little in his term of office.” Gerlach is now hoping that the next federal government will bring about a well-thought-out and sustainable restructuring in the field of public health.