Health Herz Act: Criticism of prevention means in Berlin

Health policy under pressure: The consequences of the Health Heart Act for Society

in Berlin, the discussion about the "Health Health Act" (GHG) has continued to come. Before the planned farewell, the AOK Federal Association once again expressed its concerns, in particular with regard to the potential misuse of health prevention.

dr. Carola Reimann, the chairman of the association, indicates the concern about the financial effects that could be implemented by the GHG on statutory health insurance. Their main concern is the quality of prevention offers, which could be endangered by new projects.

The AOK criticizes that the GHG does not bring the promised improvements in heart health. Instead, experts fear that the plans could undermine the current measures for predictive health care and thus damage the care of the population.

A central topic is that the draft law provides for measures that appear without sufficient scientific foundations, such as the comprehensive screening of children for the early detection of fat metabolism disorders. An ongoing study by the Institute for Quality and Economy in the Health Care was that the benefits of such comprehensive screening is not detectable.

The feedback from the AOK is alarm signs for politics, which indicate that Germany should be better equipped, especially in international comparison. While other countries implement proactive strategies to reduce tobacco, alcohol and sugar intake, Germany still has catching up to do.

A little ray of hope in the current debate is the decision to involve the Federal Joint Committee more into the process in order to make the prescription of medication more targeted. This could improve the quality of medical care, but there is concern that the rededication of millions of prevention funds in questionable measures could restrict access to important health courses.

An additional risk associated with the GHG is the economic effects on statutory health insurance. Estimates show that the expansion of the Disease management programs for risk patients could lead to additional costs in billions. Experts warn that these changes not only burden the financing of health care, but would also put a strain on the already overloaded family practices.

Developments related to the GHG illustrate the urgent need for a clear and evidence -based health strategy. The inconsistencies in the federal capital require an open dialogue about the most effective measures to improve public health and to ensure sustainable financing of the health system.