Kretschmer calls for improvements to hospital reform

Minister President Michael Kretschmer (CDU) believes that Saxony's hospital planning is at risk due to the federal government's policies. The federal government should not be allowed to ruin years of local efforts and decisions, said the CDU politician following the foreign cabinet meeting in Meißen. Things had to work not only in Berlin, but in all regions. "We will only agree to things that are also good for us."

The Free State must speak up for Saxony's hospital locations, added Ralf Hänsel (CDU). He warned against a cold structural change. "We are talking about a deficit of 10 to 15 million euros per year, which this legislation would cause at Meißen Hospital alone."

Improvements planned for hospital reform

The controversial federal hospital reform came into force at the beginning of 2025. The federal government wants to make improvements, and the Bundesrat cleared the way for this at the end of March. The plan is to provide more leeway for local implementation. This will create longer transitional periods and more options for exceptions to treatment quality requirements.

In addition, the healthcare reform aims to relieve the burden on health insurance companies. Among other things, it provides for savings at practices, clinics and manufacturers. The emergency reform provides for greater control via new central contact points in many clinics.

The "he who orders, pays" principle should apply

Kretschmer also announced that he would continue to campaign for better funding for local authorities. The federal government is also currently negotiating benefit laws that it is not funding sufficiently, he said. "We must insist that the principle of 'he who orders, pays' is adhered to," said Kretschmer. Throughout Germany and also in the Free State of Bavaria, local authorities were being squeezed under water. It is not possible for the federal states to finance this.