Hospital Care: Head of Expert Panel Suggests 700 Hospitals Could Be Closed - Germany's hospital reform could slash facilities but boost specialist care
In the debate over hospital closures, the head of Germany's top healthcare decision-making body has deemed hundreds of facilities expendable. Josef Hecken, chair of the Joint Federal Committee (G-BA)—the panel representing health insurers, doctors, and hospitals—told Wirtschaftswoche (Friday edition) that roughly two-thirds of current hospitals would suffice to ensure high-quality care. "Around 1,000 hospitals should be enough. Right now, Germany has 1,700."
Hecken stressed, however, that rural areas must retain access to essential medical services. "Under G-BA standards, basic hospitals should be distributed so that the vast majority of people can reach one within 30 minutes by car."
At present, he warned, patients do not always receive adequate inpatient care at their nearest facility. As chair of what is often called the "mini-legislature" in healthcare, Hecken noted: "Unnecessary tests or treatments are performed—worst-case, complications arise, and patients end up being transferred to a better-equipped hospital."
Negotiations are currently underway between Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU), the Bundesrat, and state governments to amend the hospital reform initiated by her predecessor, Karl Lauterbach (SPD). The core proposal centers on greater medical specialization, with smaller hospitals scaling back services to focus on procedures they perform most effectively. While patients may face longer travel times to the nearest facility, the reform aims to deliver higher-quality treatment.
The G-BA, tasked by lawmakers with determining which therapies and medications are covered by statutory health insurance, sets binding guidelines for the system. Oversight of the committee lies with the Federal Ministry of Health.
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