Lauterbach wants to prepare the healthcare system for “military conflicts”.

According to Minister Lauterbach, the German healthcare system needs to become fitter – also with a view to possible “military conflicts”. The SPD politician does not see any scaremongering.

The war against Ukraine continues, Russian rhetoric is becoming increasingly sharper: In view of this threat, Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach wants to prepare the German healthcare system for possible “military conflicts”.

Germany must not only prepare itself better for future pandemics, but “also for major disasters and possible military conflicts,” Lauterbach told the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung. He announced a corresponding bill for the summer.

“Doing nothing is not an option”

The minister rejects any possible scaremongering in view of the plans: “It would be silly to say that we are not preparing for a military conflict and then it won’t come,” said the SPD politician. “Doing nothing is not an option. A turnaround is also needed 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.”

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.”

Responsibilities clarify, secure supplies

Specifically, Lauterbach is primarily concerned with the distribution of responsibilities: “In the event of a crisis, every doctor, every hospital, every health authority must know what to do.” Clear announcements are needed, for example, when distributing large numbers of injured people to clinics.

The reporting channels and the options for transferring patients throughout Germany must also be clear, he explained. In addition, the provisions for stockpiling are 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.”