Policy in health sector requires personal management

The Joint Federal Committee (G-BA), a constitutional body in Germany's healthcare system, has been a cornerstone of the country's medical decision-making process for many years. However, recent proposals to abolish the G-BA have sparked a heated debate, with concerns about patient safety, expertise, and the future of the healthcare system at the forefront.

The G-BA has the power to make decisions about the healthcare system, including setting minimum case numbers for the treatment of extremely underweight newborns. This decision, aimed at ensuring that clinics have sufficient expertise to adequately care for premature babies, has been met with almost unanimous agreement from specialist societies. However, it has also been perceived by some as an intervention in the planning sovereignty of the states.

Currently, Germany performs worse than countries that focus on clinical competence centers in the care of particularly endangered premature babies. The G-BA's decision to set minimum case numbers is based on a legal mandate for quality assurance, with the aim of improving outcomes for these vulnerable patients.

The G-BA reviews the state of studies and advises based on scientific input, making its decisions less susceptible to influence and blackmail compared to political decisions. This scientific expertise is crucial, as the G-BA's decisions act in the interest of patient safety.

However, the G-BA is not without its criticisms. It has been suggested that reforms are needed to make the G-BA work faster, more transparently, and better incorporate patient interests. Additionally, the stability of the G-BA as the heart of the healthcare system is being questioned, with some arguing that it is too slow to adapt to changing circumstances.

The current Minister of Social Affairs in Baden-Württemberg, Manne Lucha, has proposed abolishing the G-BA. This proposal has sparked a major fundamental dispute, with concerns about the potential consequences of such a move. Healthcare policy based on election dates and cash flow would be a potential consequence of abolishing the G-BA, as well as a replacement of scientific expertise with political assessments.

A constitutional complaint initiated by a state is currently challenging the G-BA's decision to set minimum case numbers for the treatment of extremely underweight newborns. This challenge adds to the uncertainty surrounding the future of the G-BA and the direction of Germany's healthcare system.

As the healthcare system in Germany faces a stress test due to financial issues, the future of the G-BA is more important than ever. The G-BA's reservoir of experience and expertise, built up through treating minimum quantities of cases each year, is a valuable asset in navigating these challenging times.

In conclusion, the G-BA plays a vital role in ensuring the quality and safety of healthcare in Germany. While it faces criticism and challenges, its scientific expertise and commitment to patient safety make it an essential part of the healthcare system. The ongoing debate about its future underscores the importance of finding a way to reform the G-BA while preserving its core mission.