Saxony wants to bridge the financial lean period for hospitals until the nationwide hospital reform comes into force with a grant of 20 million euros. This was decided by the cabinet in Dresden on Tuesday. Health Minister Petra Köpping (SPD) referred to the difficult economic situation of the hospitals. They are not only confronted with higher energy prices and wage increases for staff. The declining number of treatment cases is also making itself felt. The pending federal hospital reform will not strengthen hospitals economically until 2025 at the earliest. Additional flat-rate funding should stabilize the situation until then.
"Even though our hospital landscape is well positioned, our hospitals have had two difficult years with massive cost increases. These will not be adequately refinanced either under the current federal funding system or under the hospital reform that is now planned," Köpping clarified. The federal government is responsible for operating costs - which are paid by the health insurance funds. However, the state could help with the investment costs. With the current subsidy, the flat-rate funding will increase to 95 million euros this year. This would promptly improve the liquidity and creditworthiness of the hospitals.
