Germany's Hospital Reform to Reshape Healthcare Funding and Services

The reform, set to begin January 1, introduces new funding models, increased specialization, and potential shifts in hospital roles.

The hospital reform will change how healthcare facilities are funded, with 60% of payments allocated for maintaining services rather than per-treatment fees.
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern hospitals are set to receive millions in additional funding, including a €2.37 million annual subsidy for maternity care and increased payments for maintaining unused beds.
Berlin's health senator indicated that some hospitals may transition from inpatient to outpatient centers in areas with service redundancies, though no closures are planned yet.
The reform aims to enhance specialized care for complex procedures while ensuring access to critical emergency services like stroke and heart attack care.
Critics express concerns about potential loss of hospital locations, particularly in rural areas, as the reform seeks to consolidate and optimize healthcare services.