Germany’s healthcare system is struggling, marked by longer wait times, rising costs, and increasing violence against staff. Despite pouring more money into the system, it’s delivering less. A recent survey shows 30% of Germans are now dissatisfied with healthcare, a significant jump from just 10% in 2021. Among those with health problems, dissatisfaction reaches 47%, and 94% agree that reforms are needed.
A key issue is long waiting times. 62% of Germans report delays in getting specialist appointments, with dissatisfaction particularly high in smaller towns and eastern Germany. Experts warn the situation won’t improve anytime soon, as the population ages, and doctors are no longer working the long hours they once did.
To curb rising costs, health insurers are pushing for state funding of contributions for those on welfare, rather than burdening other contributors. Political analysts also warn that such issues play into the hands of populists who are gaining traction with voters frustrated by the system.
Meanwhile, hospitals are taking extreme measures to combat rising violence against staff. Dortmund’s city hospital is the first in Germany to provide body cameras for employees, given the spike in violent incidents. In the last five years, half of surveyed hospitals reported a rise in violence, especially in emergency departments. The influx of immigrants over the same period is often linked to the increase in attacks, although the exact connection is unclear.
Germany’s mass immigration policy, touted as a solution to the healthcare crisis, has instead contributed to skyrocketing costs. Many foreign doctors struggle with language barriers, making it harder to communicate with patients. Additionally, migrants who have not contributed to the system are placing further strain on healthcare resources.
This issue isn’t isolated to Germany. In France, violence against healthcare workers has surged by 65% between 2020 and 2023. The country’s health system is facing similar challenges, with longer waiting times and increased insecurity in hospitals. The influx of migrants hasn’t helped, as it’s only added to the system’s strain without resolving underlying issues.
Switzerland is also grappling with a shortage of general practitioners, whose average age is 55-58. The country has seen a rise in violence against hospital workers, similar to Germany, driven by social issues like insecurity, substance abuse, and cultural differences.
In short, healthcare systems across Europe are in crisis, struggling with rising costs, longer wait times, and more violence, all compounded by demographic shifts and immigration challenges.
