Mainz University Medicine: On the way to black zero by 2030!

Mainz University Medicine: On the way to black zero by 2030!

The Mainz University Medical Center, the only university hospital in Rhineland-Palatinate, has been faced with high losses for years. But CEO Ralf Kiesslich, who has been in office since the beginning of 2022, has big plans. He is aiming for a “black zero” by 2030, as TV Mittelrhein reports. Last year, thanks to improved negotiations with health insurance companies, the deficit was reduced to 96.7 million euros - progress compared to almost 114 million euros in 2023.

What is behind this goal? The university clinic has not only increased its revenue from medical services, but also reduced expenses for materials, energy and building materials. In 2024, total sales increased to over one billion euros for the first time.

A new chapter for university medicine

In order to continue this positive trend, several future programs are being planned. This includes, among other things, the introduction of an interdisciplinary outpatient clinic and a central emergency room. Establishing departments to share resources, such as beds and operating room capacity, also contributes to increasing efficiency. This progress was also supported by the Supervisory Board chaired by Health Minister Clemens Hoch (SPD), who also set the goal of achieving black zero by 2030.

In addition, the state of Rhineland-Palatinate will provide partial debt relief for the university medical center with 400 million euros this year. This could help the clinic alleviate financial pressure and encourage future-oriented investments.

Challenges in the healthcare sector

But the picture is not all rosy. [Ärzteblatt]. They cannot specialize in lucrative areas because they act as supra-maximum providers and have to fulfill numerous central tasks at the same time. This structure entails specific burdens that are often not adequately covered by the usual DRG flat rates.

As part of a solution, a system surcharge for university medicine is proposed in order to finance the special requirements and costs for innovative treatment methods and further medical training. In addition, partial financing by statutory health insurance companies could ease the burden on the health fund.

Construction projects and long-term perspectives

The Mainz University Medical Center is also planning comprehensive structural measures worth 2.2 billion euros to renovate the clinic. Particular attention is being paid to the realization of a second clinic location in the Draiser Depression, near ZDF. The university clinic cooperates closely with the city of Mainz and is active in consultations on building law issues. This is not without challenges, as environmental organizations such as BUND express concerns about the construction of a large central building in a local recreation area.

In conclusion, it should be noted that Mainz University Medical Center is well on the way to mastering its financial challenges. With a clear strategy and the support of the country, the dream of a black zero by 2030 could be within reach, while at the same time improving medical care in the region. There is great hope that these measures will not only benefit the clinic but also the patients in Rhineland-Palatinate in the long term.