Abstract
The German healthcare system faces urgent challenges, with Minister Karl Lauterbach proposing two major reforms: restructuring hospital financing and overhauling emergency services. While past efforts to reform emergency care have failed, the current crisis – exacerbated by staff shortages and increased demand – has intensified calls for change. However, the complexity of Germany’s decentralised system and competing interests among federal, state and local governments, and service providers hinder progress. The Minister’s plan includes integrated emergency centres and improved coordination between hospital and pre-hospital acute care. Achieving these goals, however, remains fraught with legal and political obstacles.