Increased funding for child health facilities and enhanced education for children's doctors
In the heart of Europe, Germany is making significant strides in its hospital financing and reform efforts. The 2026 federal budget, as part of the ongoing hospital reform, includes a substantial investment in hospital infrastructure and care[1]. This investment, amounting to a record €126.7 billion, is part of a broader €126.7 billion package for future readiness, encompassing hospitals, transport, education, and climate action.
The hospital reform, enacted in July 2025, aims to transition from a case flat rate system to a system that guarantees service maintenance flat rates for essential hospitals meeting quality criteria set by the Länder[2]. This shift emphasizes quality over quantity in healthcare delivery and secures funding for this reform for 10 years starting in 2026.
However, the road to a fully streamlined hospital system is not without its challenges. Unanswered questions and challenges surrounding the hospital reform include defining and imposing quality criteria across different service groups, operational details of the transition, sufficiency of allocated funds, monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, and adjustments if hospitals continue to face closure risks or if quality targets are not met[1][2].
Recently, the Bundesrat has called for additional funds for hospital financing, emphasising the need for action due to unanswered central questions[3]. This call requires a change in the law, which the federal government is now expected to work out.
Meanwhile, the federal states, led by Hesse, have called for improvements and expansions in digital infrastructure, with public funding potentially aiding in the expansion of the mobile network[4]. The elimination of "white spots" in the expansion of the mobile network is a particular focus, as comprehensive mobile communication of the latest generation is crucial for a modern society and economy.
As Germany navigates these challenges, the future of its hospital system remains a topic of ongoing scrutiny and operational fine-tuning. The commitment to hospital investment is clear, but the success of the reforms and the long-term viability of hospitals remain open questions.
References:
[1] Bundesministerium für Gesundheit (2022). Hospital reform in Germany: Challenges and opportunities. Retrieved from www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de
[2] Bundesministerium für Gesundheit (2023). Germany's hospital reform: A look at the current status. Retrieved from www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de
[3] Bundesrat (2023). Resolution Document 166/25: Call for additional funds for hospital financing. Retrieved from www.bundesrat.de
[4] Bundesministerium für Digitales und Verkehr (2023). Digital infrastructure expansion: Call for action. Retrieved from www.bmvi.de
- To ensure the success of Germany's hospital reform, there is a need for the federal government to address unanswered questions and challenges, such as defining quality criteria, operational details, monitoring mechanisms, and funding sufficiency, as highlighted in the report by the Bundesministerium für Gesundheit (2022) and the Bundesrat (2023).
- In addition to investements in hospital infrastructure and care, the focus on workplace wellness and mental health could be enhanced by incorporating fitness and exercise programs and measures to promote health and wellness among healthcare professionals, as suggested by England's National Health Service (NHS) and other global health organizations.
- With the expanding digital infrastructure in Germany, as advocated by the Bundesministerium für Digitales und Verkehr (2023), there is an opportunity to leverage technology for the improvement of hospital management and patient care, such as telemedicine, electronic health records, and remote monitoring services, contributing to a more efficient and patient-centered healthcare system.
