German primary‑care doctors launch protest against health‑spending cuts

The German Association of General Practitioners has started a nationwide protest campaign against the health‑budget cuts proposed by the black‑red coalition. Co‑chair Nicola Buhlinger‑Göpfarth warned that the planned reductions – part of a €16.3 billion savings package aimed at statutory health insurers by 2027 – would “cut the roots of primary‑care provision” and could lead to fewer practices, poorer care and longer waiting times.

The association plans an e‑mail action, urging patients to contact their Bundestag members, and will distribute posters and information material to roughly 50,000 general‑practice offices. Critics highlight the planned removal of extra fees for organ‑donation counselling and the rollback of a recent removal of fee caps for GPs, as well as higher co‑payments for medication and limits on free spousal insurance.

Minister Nina Warken (CDU) argues the measures are needed to curb rising health‑insurance expenses and avoid higher supplemental contributions.