Thuringian clinics in the crisis: operating costs endanger the supply

Thuringian clinics in the crisis: operating costs endanger the supply

Thuringia in the financing dilemma: Clinics at the limit of resilience

The clinics in Thuringia present the current economic challenges before immense problems. The strongly increased operating costs caused by inflation and increased personnel costs cause many institutions to fear for their existence. Minister of Health Heike Werner emphasizes that the state of Thuringia is unable to cover these increasing costs, since this is not permitted in accordance with the legal regulations. A solution is urgently required.

a multi-layered problem

The situation is not new, because with the introduction of the diagnostic case flat system (DRG) there was a structural underfunding of the clinics. The financial means that are available to the clinics are based on the specified prices for medical treatments paid by the statutory health insurance companies. This pricing, which is negotiated annually, has achieved an average of around 4,200 euros per treatment this year. Minister of Health Werner emphasizes that the legally defined increase of these values is limited. This leads to persistent financial uncertainty for the clinics that suffer from the current economic burden.

The reaction of the public and political debates

The highlights of the political debate about the hospital situation in Thuringia became visible during the state election campaign. The CDU opposition party accuses the red-red-green state government to neglect the clinics and to provide insufficient support. Minister Werner replies that the responsibility for investments, such as in construction work or medical technology, lies with the federal states. While the CDU questions investments, many citizens see the urgency to improve the financial framework for the clinics.

Future prospects and solutions

An approach to support the clinics is the newly introduced guarantee program for securing clinic loans, which was initiated together with Brandenburg. This measure could help clinics to be able to form financial reserves in order to better deal with unforeseen costs. But the state government and the Minister of Health is aware that this is only a first step. Above all, sustainable support to cover the underfinanced operating costs remains necessary to prevent a further increase in clinic insolvencies in Thuringia.

conclusion

The financial situation of the Thuringian clinics is a symbol of a bigger problem in the health sector. In order not to endanger medical care in the region, a comprehensive political debate and clearly defined measures are required. The challenge is to find a balance between legally defined payment systems and the real needs of the clinics. This is the only way to ensure health care in Thuringia.

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- Nag