Criticism of SOGesund: Is Schongau's emergency care a deception?

Criticism of SOGesund: Is Schongau's emergency care a deception?

The “SOGesund” health center in Schongau is the focus of current debates about emergency care. The conversion of the former hospital was presented as a nationwide showcase project, but opinions about it are divided. While managing director Thomas Lippmann from the Weilheim-Schongau GmbH hospital praises the initial successes with over 12,000 contacts with citizens in the first half of the year, the action group “Stop dying in hospitals in Bavaria” sees the concept as inadequate. Klaus Emmerich, spokesman for the group, describes the emergency clinic in Schongau as a “sham package” and criticizes the fact that it cannot be perceived as real emergency care.

A difference of opinion that Roland Engehausen, managing director of the Bavarian Hospital Society, also classifies as “counterproductive”. He points out that the economic unsustainability of “SOGesund” should not be lost sight of in the debate. The Weilheim-Schongau GmbH hospital has already met the requirements of the planned hospital reform [ Bundestag ] implemented, but the health insurance companies refuse to provide the necessary funds for emergency care in emergency clinics.

Financing and reforms

The future of health centers like “SOGesund” should no longer be financed exclusively through flat rates per case. Instead, the aim is to switch to flat-rate reserve fees, as is also the case in [ vdek ] is required. This could lead to an improvement in monetary support in the long term. The negotiations on financing “SOGesund” should be completed by the end of the year.

The discussion about financing falls into a larger context. The modernization of care structures, including the reform of emergency care, has been a central topic of health policy since 2024. Planned integrated emergency centers (INZ) are intended to act as central contact points for emergencies and relieve the burden on emergency rooms. These measures are part of a comprehensive plan by the Federal Ministry of Health, which resulted in a cabinet draft for an emergency law in July 2024. Ulrike Elsner, chairwoman of the vdek, emphasizes the urgency of reforming the rescue service and improving the quality of emergency care.

In view of the critical situation in the clinics, where a deficit of around ten billion euros is expected for 2023, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach sees the reforms as overdue in order to combat over-, under- and incorrect care. Additional investments in hospitals are necessary to avoid bankruptcies and sustainably increase the quality of care.

In conclusion, it can be said that the developments surrounding “SOHealth” and the desired reforms in the health system offer both opportunities and challenges. It remains to be seen how public opinion and political decisions will develop.