Focus on the future of healthcare
This year, high-profile representatives from the healthcare industry once again gathered for the #ZKNFT2024 event, organized by WMC Health Care GmbH, the Hospital Management Group (HMG), and other partners. In addition to over 50 renowned speakers, representatives from hospitals accounting for 30% of German hospital beds were also in attendance. i-strategy was also represented by Sven Schmidtmann and Jan-Martin Kretschmer, Kathrin Meyer, and Peter Maraun from our Health Care Finance Team.
The topic of the year: Challenges in the healthcare system
Discussions at #ZKNFT2024 focused on the pressing problems of a crisis-ridden and underfunded healthcare system. Not only the uncertainty resulting from the hospital reform under discussion, but also years of lack of investment in infrastructure, chronic shortages of skilled workers, underfunded tariffs, and increases in material and energy prices threaten the German hospital landscape. Despite selective financial support, around 80% of hospitals are in the red, and the entire system appears to be on the verge of collapse:
- Infrastructure investments: A large proportion of hospitals suffer from dilapidated structures and outdated equipment. There is a shortfall of more than €50 billion for urgently needed investments.
- Financial challenges: Many hospitals have non-refinanceable debts on their balance sheets, which threatens their existence. Financial leeway is limited, and the entire system is facing a dangerous limit.
- Efficiency and productivity: Inefficient structures and a loss of productivity since the pandemic are placing an additional strain on hospitals. Up to 20% loss of performance has been recorded despite unchanged capacities.
- Skills shortage: A further increase in the shortage of skilled workers is expected by 2030, especially in rural areas.
- Renovation needs: Numerous hospitals are already struggling with “irreparable deficits” and can only be kept alive by municipal funds.
The discussions made it clear that performance-based measures alone are not enough; instead, a comprehensive approach that also takes financial aspects into account is needed. A renovation report can help set the course for a sustainable future and negotiate the necessary steps with all parties involved.
Conclusion: Joint solutions for a sustainable future
The challenges facing the healthcare system require a coordinated overall concept that takes into account the needs of all stakeholders. This is the only way to prevent the impending collapse of the German hospital landscape.
We are excited to see how things develop over the coming year and look forward to continuing the discussion at the next #ZKNFT2024.
Contact our healthcare experts
Möchten Sie mehr erfahren oder haben Interesse an einem Austausch zum Thema Health Care? Wir freuen uns über die Kontaktaufnahme unserer Ansprechpartner.
Would you like to learn more or are you interested in an exchange on the topic of health care? We look forward to hearing from you and our contact persons.
