A leading patient advocacy group has raised concerns regarding the composition of the German parliamentary inquiry commission tasked with investigating the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eugen Brysch, head of the German Foundation for Patient Protection, expressed reservations in an interview with the “Rhinische Post” stating that the interests of elderly, vulnerable and terminally ill patients appear to be overlooked by the commission’s structure. The commission, comprised of 14 experts and parliamentarians from various factions, is responsible for thoroughly examining the pandemic’s impact and response.
Brysch argued that the current assembly fails to guarantee a rigorous, transparent and self-critical analysis. He emphasized the urgent need to scrutinize the measures implemented during the pandemic within long-term care facilities. He further criticized the lack of binding protection concepts for pandemic emergencies in this sector. Brysch advocates for mandatory contingency plans, including isolation units, daily testing for all staff and residents and specialized medical-nursing teams, to be in place for future pandemics to prevent the spread of chain infections.
“Nursing homes must never again become high-risk zones” Brysch asserted, calling on the federal government to learn from its shortcomings during the crisis and adequately prepare for future pandemics. He urged a proactive approach to ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations in the event of renewed outbreaks.