Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach wants to better equip the German healthcare system against crises and military conflicts. Germany must not only prepare itself better for future pandemics, but “also for major disasters and possible military conflicts,” said the SPD politician New Osnabrücker Zeitung. He expects a bill to be presented in the summer.
“There also needs to be a turning point for the healthcare system. Especially since Germany could become a hub for the care of injured and wounded people from other countries if there is an alliance,” argued Lauterbach. In response to the corona pandemic, the traffic light coalition agreed after its launch to better equip the structures of the health system for major crises. “After the criminal Russian attack on Ukraine, this challenge has unfortunately become more important,” said Lauterbach. “And that’s why we have a loophole in the law that we are addressing in order to be prepared for a disaster or even a military alliance event – as unlikely as it is.”
“Doing nothing is not an option”
Lauterbach described the contours of the law as follows: “In the event of a crisis, every doctor, every hospital, every health authority must know what to do. We need clear responsibilities – for example for the distribution of a large number of injured people among the clinics in Germany.” The reporting channels and the options for transferring patients throughout Germany must also be clear. And the regulations regarding stockpiling were not sufficient.
“Ultimately, the deployment and distribution of medical personnel must be clarified in the event of a crisis. And all of this must be practiced.” The minister does not see scaremongering in the plans. “It would be silly to say that we are not preparing for a military conflict and then it won’t come. According to the logic, there would be no need for a Bundeswehr. Doing nothing is not an option.”