The German Hospital Association (DKG) is demanding increased funding to make hospitals resilient to crises. Chairman Gerald Gass told the “Tagesspiegel” that politicians should have given the topic of resilience more weight within the hospital reform. He stressed that the entire health system must now be targeted and comprehensively prepared for crisis situations and that politics will not be able to avoid placing money into the hand to do so.
Before the expert commission on statutory health insurance presents its report and reform proposals on Monday, Gass urged that crisis resilience and security have to become integral parts of hospital planning – a matter that is currently discussed in all 16 federal states. “They are an essential and existential part of the national public service” Gass said. “We need reliability and finally a fully societal and financially supported plan to strengthen hospital resilience”.
With cyber attacks and sabotage in mind, the DKG estimates that roughly €2.7 billion of additional funding is required. In a joint‑strategy scenario the investment need would be €4.9 billion, while in a defence‑scenario it would reach €14-15 billion. “Clearly, these measures cannot be implemented in the short term” Gass said. “Prioritisation and a clear phased plan are required to achieve significant progress by 2027”.