Will many practices remain closed?
Lauterbach criticizes doctors’ protest
October 2, 2023, 2:43 a.m
Anyone who wants to go to the doctor between the weekend and the holiday could find themselves in front of closed doors. At least if the practice takes part in a nationwide protest by resident doctors. Criticism of the demands comes from the Minister of Health.
Immediately before a nationwide doctors’ strike this Monday, Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach questioned demands for more money. “Many practices close on Bridging Day; like the pharmacists, they also want more money. On average (median), after deducting all costs, they earn around 230,000 euros per year.” wrote the Social Democrat on the Internet platform
Thousands of general practitioners and specialists do not want to open their practices this Monday in protest against health policy. The association of practicing doctors, the Virchowbund, which is co-organizing the practice, accuses Lauterbach of being interested in the hospitals but ignoring the needs of practicing doctors. The association also mentions different sums than Lauterbach and speaks of a practice surplus of 172,903 euros per year and a net income – after deducting retirement provisions, health and nursing care insurance as well as income tax – of 85,555 euros.
The Virchowbund expects that a five-digit number of medical practices across Germany will be closed. He had called for the campaign, and almost 20 other medical associations and statutory health insurance associations had joined in. Lauterbach wants to convert the health system “in the direction of state medicine,” is criticized. In addition, many practices are in distress due to inflation, high energy prices or a shortage of skilled workers.
According to the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, there should be a comprehensive emergency and on-call service. In North Rhine-Westphalia, for example, the North Rhine Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians pointed out that other local practices wanted to take on outpatient care on a stand-in basis. Patients should pay attention to relevant practice notices and information on the practice answering machines.