German Hospital Association warns one‑third of clinics face closure

The Deutsche Krankenhausgesellschaft (DKG) warns that up to one‑third of German hospitals could disappear after the health‑insurance savings package approved by the Bundesrat and Bundestag in July. DKG chairman Gerald Gaß told the Rheinische Post that an “insolvency tsunami” is expected over the next three years. Since 2022, 85 hospitals with 102 sites have filed for insolvency, many with only four weeks of liquid assets left.

Gaß said the reform reduces hospitals’ creditworthiness and will first force closures of emergency departments, obstetric units and pediatric wards. A recent survey of clinic operators indicates that 61 % of obstetric units may shut down or cut services. He called on the federal states to cover half of the eight‑billion‑euro savings volume – four billion euros – to prevent a “cold clinic death” that would jeopardise patient care, especially in rural areas.