German health reform faces backlash from doctors, obstetrics and psychotherapists

The government’s planned GKV‑Beitragssatzstabilisierungsgesetz aims to curb spending on statutory health insurance, but a wave of professional groups warn it will damage patient care. The Krankenhausgesellschaft NRW (KGNW) says hospitals could lose up to eight percent of revenue, endangering obstetric units and paediatric departments.  Ingo Morell warned that “the savings plans mean clinics lose eight percent of their previous income.”

The German Psychotherapists’ Association (DPtV) cautions that the reform will lengthen waiting times for mental‑health treatment by 20‑30 percent, especially in rural areas.  Enno Maaß said, “If the law passes in its current form, waiting times could increase by up to 20 to 30 percent.” Psychotherapists also face a projected €38,000 earnings gap compared with other doctors. The House‑Doctor Association’s chair Nicola Buhlinger‑Göpfarth called the measure “an outright fiasco” and urged the Bundesrat to stop it.

Both medical and psychotherapeutic chambers have appealed to the Bundestag and Bundesrat, seeking to halt or amend the reform before the scheduled vote in early July. The controversy underscores the potential closure of birth‑care facilities, longer appointment delays, and reduced remuneration for outpatient psychotherapists.