Discussions without taboos, but with constructive, democratic voting. This demand made by Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn (CDU) on the culture of political debate in his opening speech at the 121st German Medical Congress would not have been necessary, at least for the members of the Medical Congress. The debates about the topics that had attracted nationwide attention in the past few weeks, such as the advertising for abortions, the knowledge test of foreign doctors and the relaxation of the exclusive ban on remote treatment made this clear.
This is how the Debate on criminal law paragraph 219a was conducted with impressive respect. Respect for each other's opinion as well as for those affected: the women and the unborn life. You could feel how intensively the MPs had dealt with the topic, always keeping an eye on the difficult situation of the pregnant woman. Many delegates rightly pointed out that neither the women and fathers concerned, nor the doctors performing an abortion, make such decision easy. Even if the trigger of the discussion was the conviction of the doctor Kristina Hänel for illegal advertising for abortions, the debate was not just about the impunity of the doctors, but about the best possible solution for the protection and information of the patients ().
This positive culture of discussion continued on the topic of "Proof of medical training for doctors from third countries". It was sometimes very emotional, but it was constructive struggle. Knowing well that foreign doctors are now essential for medical care in Germany, the delegates repeatedly warned not to let other countries bleed to death by actively luring their doctors away. Just as clearly, however, they called for uniform, quality-assured examination of foreign doctors before they start working in Germany. This is the only way to guarantee quality of care and patient protection ().
While politicians were already euphoric about the relaxation of the exclusive ban on remote treatment as the solution to the shortage of doctors and waiting times - without worrying about the lack of broadband expansion, for example - the role of the doctors' parliament was to weigh up the opportunities and risks. In the end, after constructive discussion, there was nevertheless clear vote in favor of relaxing the ban on remote treatment ().
Discussions without taboos, but with constructive, democratic voting. This demand made by Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn (CDU) on the culture of political debate in his opening speech at the 121st German Medical Congress would not have been necessary, at least for the members of the Medical Congress. The debates about the topics that had attracted nationwide attention in the past few weeks, such as the advertising for abortions, the knowledge test of foreign doctors and the relaxation of the exclusive ban on remote treatment made this clear.
This is how the Debate on criminal law paragraph 219a was conducted with impressive respect. Respect for each other's opinion as well as for those affected: the women and the unborn life. You could feel how intensively the MPs had dealt with the topic, always keeping an eye on the difficult situation of the pregnant woman. Many delegates rightly pointed out that neither the women and fathers concerned, nor the doctors performing an abortion, make such decision easy. Even if the trigger of the discussion was the conviction of the doctor Kristina Hänel for illegal advertising for abortions, the debate was not just about the impunity of the doctors, but about the best possible solution for the protection and information of the patients ().
This positive culture of discussion continued on the topic of "Proof of medical training for doctors from third countries". It was sometimes very emotional, but it was constructive struggle. Knowing well that foreign doctors are now essential for medical care in Germany, the delegates repeatedly warned not to let other countries bleed to death by actively luring their doctors away. Just as clearly, however, they called for uniform, quality-assured examination of foreign doctors before they start working in Germany. This is the only way to guarantee quality of care and patient protection ().
While politicians were already euphoric about the relaxation of the exclusive ban on remote treatment as the solution to the shortage of doctors and waiting times - without worrying about the lack of broadband expansion, for example - the role of the doctors' parliament was to weigh up the opportunities and risks. In the end, after constructive discussion, there was nevertheless clear vote in favor of relaxing the ban on remote treatment ().
This is positive for the patient in two ways: He has the option of quick, uncomplicated contact with the doctor. And he can be sure that medical competence will be taken into account when developing and regulating future digital offers. The professional regulations for exclusive remote treatment, which commercial providers must adhere to, must be determined by the medical profession. This is the only way to avoid uncontrolled growth and poor quality.
The German Medical Association has given clear signals that doctors want to help shape care - for better working conditions and, above all, for patient protection.
Michael Schmedt Deputy. Editor-in-chief
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