German Health Minister Nina Warken Defends GKV Reform Amid Pharma Criticism

Federal Health Minister Nina Warken presented the government’s GKV reform as a balanced package that will save around €16 billion and stabilise contribution rates for insured Germans. The draft includes structural changes such as hospital and emergency‑care reforms, strengthening primary care by general practitioners, ending reimbursement for homeopathy and cannabis flowers, tightening dental‑orthodontic coverage and introducing a higher co‑payment for medicines. Warken said, “Jeder Bereich muss seinen Beitrag leisten bei dieser Reform,” and added, “Ich glaube, dass wir einen Vorschlag gemacht haben, der ausgewogen ist.”

The proposal faces criticism from patient groups, opposition parties and the federal states, who warn that cuts could jeopardise hospital finances. The pharmaceutical industry, represented by firms such as Eli Lilly and Boehringer Ingelheim, warned of potential investment pull‑backs in Germany. Warken rejected these concerns, arguing that all sectors must share the financial consolidation of the statutory health insurance. The first parliamentary debate on the reform is scheduled for Friday, after which committee reviews will follow.