Bavaria challenges federal hospital reform and expands rural doctor incentives

District administrators of Bavaria warned that the federal hospital reform proposed by Health Minister Karl Lauterbach could endanger the overall provision of medical services in the state's rural areas. In a meeting of the Bavarian County Association, they urged modifications at the upcoming conference of the health ministers of all German states, arguing that hospitals also serve as emergency bases, training centres and fill gaps in ambulatory care. They said that without changes the reform could lead to a "clear‑cut" reduction of basic and regular health services across Bavaria.

At the same time, Bavarian Health Minister Judith Gerlach highlighted the state's support for rural physicians by awarding a 60,000‑euro Landarztprämie to a newly established general practitioner in Mistelgau, Upper Franconia. Gerlach noted that 81 such prizes have been granted this year, with 13 in Upper Franconia, and that since the programme began in 2012 more than 1,500 promotions have helped over 1,000 family doctors and roughly 550 specialists settle in underserved communities.