The new Minister of Health began by “tidying up” the department: stabilizing teams, setting up processes, and reviewing large procurements. The hospital reform continues, but some steps are being moved to ensure they are backed by data and safe for patients. Priorities also include making eHealth work, bringing nurses into the system, and reviving the outpatient sector.
Clean-up of the department and stabilization of teams
The minister describes the first month as a time of intensive organizational changes, discussions with divisions, and setting clear responsibilities. She emphasizes personnel stabilization, selecting people she trusts, and combining in-house experts with those who can bring the necessary perspective. The goal is for the department not to rely only on improvisation, but on predictable processes, including public procurement and fulfilling tasks from the recovery plan.
The minister believes that the reshuffling of the team will not paralyze the department, as she is reaching out to people with experience in healthcare and related fields. She explains that ad hoc technical and process topics are still catching up, which require time and thoroughness. Continuity is important—the office was handed over gradually and changes are being made with regard to the ministry’s operation.
Hospital reform needs data and time
The optimization of the hospital network is not stopping, but it requires realistic preparation and quality data. It was key to add the smallest hospitals (Level 1) to the network so that the recovery plan milestone would be met and, as of 1 January 2024, it would be clear who belongs where. Given insufficient data collection on waiting times, an unclear “patient pathway,” and shortcomings in emergency and medical transport services, the scope of care is to be temporarily maintained as in 2023.
The postponement of some measures is to be used for data collection and implementation so that decisions are made based on reality, not estimates. There is a “gentlemen’s agreement” that if insurers and the state manage to get waiting lists ready sooner, they will be launched during 2024. The minister also emphasizes the goal of depoliticizing healthcare and relying on expert and scientific positions when managing changes.
Digitalization, nurses, and outpatient clinics: three key priorities
Digitalization focuses on making eHealth work—not just ePrescription; electronic documentation, e-labs, and electronic referrals are needed. The goal is for data to be displayed securely after reading the chip-enabled ID card, and for paper no longer to be necessary. The ministry is also reviewing major contracts at the NCZI, including a procurement worth approximately 10 million euros.
The ministry wants to address the acute shortage of nurses (estimated at a minimum of 4,000) together with the education sector: more practice already in the 3rd–4th year, strengthening dual education, and preparing “higher secondary” education with expanded competencies. The aim is to get nurses into the system sooner, with clearly defined competencies and real help at the bedside and in outpatient clinics. For the outpatient sector, a new catalog of procedures is being prepared after more than 15 years, along with pressure for higher reimbursements, including start-up grants for new practices; today, the support of 80 000 euros is only for general practitioners and pediatricians, while specialists remain on the sidelines.
