Protests at clinics against planned healthcare savings package

Protests are planned at several hospitals in Thuringia and Saxony against the federal government's planned healthcare savings package. (Archive image) / Photo: Michael Reichel/dpa

The federal government wants to stabilize the finances of health insurance companies with an austerity package. The trade union Verdi is up in arms against this - actions are also planned in Thuringia and Saxony.

At several hospitals in Thuringia and Saxony, employees are taking part in protests today against the German government's planned austerity package in the healthcare sector. The Verdi trade union is calling for nationwide action. In Thuringia, actions are planned at Jena University Hospital and the Thuringia Clinics in Saalfeld, in Saxony at Leipzig University Hospital, Leipzig Heart Center, Chemnitz Hospital, Coswig Specialist Hospital and the Oberlausitz Clinics. In most cases, non-public works and staff meetings are planned.

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"What is needed are real reforms that secure care, stabilize hospitals and improve the working conditions of employees, instead of selling cuts as reforms," explained Verdi in advance. Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) wants to reduce the burden on health insurance companies by 16.3 billion euros in 2027 with the savings package that has been launched. There are plans to curb spending in practices, clinics and the pharmaceutical industry - but also, for example, higher co-payments for medication and restrictions on free co-insurance for spouses.

Verdi fears that the reform will lead to a significant deterioration in hospitals, their quality of care, working conditions for employees and staff cuts. Hospital representatives have already expressed similar fears. Other lobby groups in the healthcare sector, such as doctors, are also up in arms against the reform.