The board of the German Patient Protection Foundation, Eugen Brysch, has no understanding of the announced strike by doctors in private practice after Christmas. “Even the German train drivers’ union is refraining from strikes between Christmas and the beginning of the new year. That’s why it is incomprehensible that there are calls to close practices at a time when many people are sick,” he told the “Rheinische Post”. The campaign mainly affects old and weak people.
In protest against health policy, the Virchow Association of practicing doctors wants to keep thousands of practices closed between December 27th and 29th. Representatives should be appointed for urgent emergencies.
Criticism of Lauterbach
Brysch is also critical of the behavior of Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD). “Apart from a public lack of understanding, the Federal Minister of Health has shown no initiative to stop the wild measures,” he said. It is important to notify the statutory health insurance associations about the security order.
Left chairwoman Janine Wissler also criticized Lauterbach. “Health Minister Lauterbach’s request to family doctors not to abandon their patients between the years is outrageous and seems like sheer mockery in view of his two years of failings in the health sector,” Wissler told the newspaper. Lauterbach should take the demands of doctors and all health care workers seriously.
Lauterbach commented on the planned strike on broadcaster RBB on Thursday. “The demands of the medical profession are known, they do not need to be put forward again, so there is no need to strike now, especially when so many people are sick,” he said. The minister had previously announced a crisis summit for January.
