German health reform debate intensifies as unions push tax‑funded hospital financing and doctors curb specialty splits

The German trade union federation (DGB) is calling for a comprehensive, tax‑financed funding model for the pending hospital reform, arguing that current case‑based payments (DRGs) do not cover fixed costs such as building upkeep, emergency departments, and medical equipment. The union urges the federal government and the Länder to create a transformation fund to ensure full refinancing of hospital operating expenses, including standby and training costs, to prevent large‑scale clinic closures.

At the same time, German‑language doctors’ organisations, meeting in Bad Gögging, have agreed to oppose further proliferation of specialist titles and training designations. They warn that additional qualifications would fragment existing specialties, weaken established care structures and raise health‑care costs. The groups advocate incorporating new care tasks within existing specialty frameworks and updating current qualification pathways to preserve quality and nationwide ambulatory and inpatient coverage.