Medical associations push for better conditions for practices
In view of the heavy strain on many practices during the current wave of infections, doctors' associations are calling for better conditions. "GP surgeries are once again running on empty - even though the flu season hasn't even started yet," said Markus Beier, Chairman of the Association of General Practitioners, to Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (Wednesday).
Waiting times are getting longer and there is hardly any time left for the treatment itself. Beier once again called on Health Minister Karl Lauterbach to hold a crisis summit. Among other things, a reduction in bureaucracy was needed.
Lauterbach announced a meeting. "We will hold this crisis summit in January," he wrote on Platform X on Wednesday. Proposals for a necessary reduction in bureaucracy and a fee reform have been in preparation for months.
The Virchowbund der niedergelassenen Ärztinnen und Ärzte announced that thousands of surgeries would remain closed between December 27 and 29 in protest against healthcare policy. "Wherever you look: Almost every doctor's surgery is currently massively overloaded," said chairman Dirk Heinrich. Closed surgeries would appoint deputies for urgent emergencies.
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Given the mounting pressure on medical practices due to the ongoing infection surge, several associations are advocating for an overhaul of the current practices' conditions. In light of the loads placed upon these institutions and the resulting extended waiting times, reducing bureaucratic barriers could significantly alleviate the situation, as suggested by various medical associations.
Source: www.ntv.de
