Almost every second person is dissatisfied: the health system is in crisis!

Almost every second person is dissatisfied: the health system is in crisis!

Almost half of Germans see red: A current survey by the opinion research institute Forsa, commissioned by Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), shows alarming results regarding satisfaction with the healthcare system. Last month, 47 percent of those surveyed said they were less satisfied or even dissatisfied with the services. This is a significant increase compared to January, where only 30 percent were dissatisfied. Dissatisfaction has even increased almost fivefold since 2021, which is a topic of conversation across the country. Only 12 percent of survey participants were completely or very satisfied with the health system, as the Schwaebische reports.

Jens Baas, CEO of TK, explains the situation: “Many people find the increasing contributions to be unreasonable, especially due to lengthy waiting times for a doctor’s appointment.” Patients are particularly critical of the treatment options. 62 percent of those surveyed stated that they found waiting times for specialist appointments to be a significant problem.

Need for reform recognized

The survey reveals that 73 percent of those surveyed welcome reform interventions in the health system. Of these, 21 percent even call for comprehensive reforms. In addition, 89 percent of participants were open to the fact that certain tasks should be taken on by nursing staff or medical professionals. Despite digital advances, such as 81 percent of those surveyed booking doctor's appointments online, frustration among the population remains palpable. Many want digital solutions, such as the ability to share their medical history in advance, which 77 percent of survey participants would like. The TK has also reacted to this and is calling for an immediate program to prevent premium increases next year without further reductions in benefits, while at the same time there are opportunities for savings in medication costs.

In addition, another survey by PwC shows that only 50 percent of Germans see the healthcare system as one of the best in the world. This number is the lowest value since the first survey in 2014. Trust is falling, especially among the older generations aged 55 and over; Here only 40 percent rate the system positively. The greatest concern is the shortage of skilled workers (65 percent) as well as the financial viability of the system (56 percent) and the gaps in care in rural areas (49 percent), as PwC published.

The opinion of the citizens

In summary, the TK survey shows that dissatisfaction and frustration in the healthcare system are increasing. This also goes hand in hand with concerns about the future structure of health care. 94 percent of those surveyed expect contributions to rise, and many express concerns about the Federal Ministry of Health's planned reforms. Those surveyed fear longer journeys, poorer care and additional waiting times. Only the prospect of reforms could perhaps represent a slight light at the end of the tunnel.

Given these challenges, it remains to be seen how political decision-makers will respond to the allegations and what course they will take for the future of the healthcare system.