Overview

• Union and SPD's proposed primary care system would require patients to obtain referrals from general practitioners before visiting specialists, with exceptions for gynecology, ophthalmology, and chronic illnesses.
• The reforms aim to improve healthcare efficiency and reduce costs, projecting annual savings of up to 2 billion euros by 2028.
• Critics, including patient advocates, warn of potential overburdening of general practitioners and inequities in access for certain patients.
• Doctors have called for fines of up to 100 euros for missed appointments, citing that 10-20% of bookings are currently no-shows, but Health Minister Karl Lauterbach opposes such measures.
• The proposals remain under discussion in coalition negotiations, with debates focusing on balancing cost-saving measures with equitable and effective healthcare access.