Turkish Doctor in Germany Reports Heat Challenges Amid Strict Climate Policies

A Turkish physician working in a German hospital described how national climate‑policy restrictions that prohibit air‑conditioning in public buildings are creating severe heat conditions for medical staff and patients. The doctor said that the lack of cooling makes it difficult for healthcare workers wearing protective gear to operate for extended periods, and that patients in intensive care are also suffering from the high temperatures. The situation highlights a tension between Germany’s aggressive carbon‑reduction goals and the practical needs of healthcare facilities during extreme heat waves.

The physician called for reconsideration of the blanket ban on climate‑control equipment in hospitals, arguing that patient safety and staff wellbeing must be prioritized alongside environmental targets.