Stay in touch
Prime news from our network.
#read
Investment in digitalisation and modernisation necessary
In addition to financing operating costs, the draft law on hospital reform should also take into account the financing of investment costs, urges the industry association Spectaris. The medical technology industry plays a decisive role in investment decisions in the healthcare sector.
31/07/2023
The medical technology department of the German industry association Spectaris warns against focussing solely on operating cost financing as work begins on a draft bill for hospital reform. „This narrowing does not sustainably solve the actual deficits in hospital financing. Instead, sufficient investment cost financing must also be ensured“, emphasises Dr Martin Leonhard, Chairman of Medical Technology at Spectaris.
Funding for investment costs: make states take responsibility
The previous underfunding of hospitals, which has spanned three decades, is a serious problem and has already led to hospital closures for economic reasons, according to the industry association. A sustainable and substantial hospital reform can therefore not be implemented without additional financial resources. Spectaris therefore recommends that, as part of the hospital reform, targeted support be given to those federal states that provide investment funds in order to come close to meeting the actual investment requirements. Leonhard: "If a federal state exceeds a defined investment quota, the federal government could provide financial support. This would be a strong incentive for the states to invest in their hospital landscape.
Improving the care structure with specialist clinics
Another key demand of the association is to ensure a sufficient supply structure through specialist clinics, also in the context of a possible reorganisation of the hospital landscape with potentially fewer clinics. Specialist clinics play a crucial role in covering specific medical areas and have specialised knowledge and extensive experience in the treatment of specific diseases or conditions. The expertise of these clinics results in high quality and targeted care, which has a positive impact on patient outcomes. Leonhard: „The acceptance of a hospital reform among the population depends to a large extent on maintaining an appropriate care structure with specialised clinics.“
Use the expertise of medical technology manufacturers
The medical technology industry plays a decisive role in planning and investment decisions in the healthcare sector. Spectaris therefore calls for the expertise of the medical technology industry to be closely involved in the planning phase of new buildings, expansions and the establishment of hybrid operating theatres. „Hospital reform is a key healthcare policy project that can only succeed if the quality of care for patients takes centre stage. All those involved in achieving this goal should contribute their experience“, emphasises Leonhard in conclusion.
The above texts, or parts thereof, were automatically translated from the original language text using a translation system (DeepL API).
Despite careful machine processing, translation errors cannot be ruled out.