Midwives in need: Falling remuneration threatens the future of obstetrics

Many midwives threaten the financial issue - state policy - News

The recently decided changeover of the remuneration for midwives could have far -reaching and alarming consequences. From November 2023, a significant reduction in the fee for midwives is planned. This decision ensures massive concern among the midwives, since the cost of living and unchanged expenses remain. The remuneration for midwives had remained unchanged for years, which also tightened the current Situation.

Many midwives see themselves before an existential decision

experts from the midwife profession warn that some of their colleagues have to seriously consider whether they can continue their work. Rebekka Sanne from Bonn explains that up to a third of the midwives in their region are in this situation. Around two thirds of the midwives could even be affected in Datteln if the remuneration should actually fall. In order to counteract this worrying trend, the affected midwives plan protest actions.

position of the clinics and the relevance of midwifery

Wolfgang Müller, Managing Director of the St. Vincenz Clinic in Datteln, is outraged by the decision and calls for a reason for reducing remuneration. He emphasizes the committed and motivated work of the midwives and sees no reason why they are supposed to accept remuneration losses in a split health system. The crucial role that midwives play in the cycle of birth accompaniment is strongly at risk from the new regulations.

Change of the remuneration structure as a reaction of the health insurance companies

The GKV top association, which has launched the new remuneration structure, justifies the measure with a focus on the one-to-one care for pregnant women. According to this, a midwife who cares for a pregnant woman exclusively will receive a higher fee in the future. This new concept aims to optimize the quality of the care. However, if you are not exclusively busy or look after several pregnant women at the same time, you will be financially punished, which endangers the continued existence of many midwives.

Overall, the current situation shows how sensitive financing in the healthcare system is and what far -reaching consequences for midwives and ultimately also for expectant mothers and their families. The reactions of the midwives and clinics illustrate the urgency of taking the topic seriously and finding possible solutions.