Don't stint on DMP (disease management programme) quality, warns German minister:

The successful introduction of the disease management programmes (DMPs) is a test for the self-governing bodies of the German health service, says Klaus Kirchner, chairman of the health committee of the German lower house (Bundestag). Mr Kirchner said last week in Berlin, that "under no circumstances" should doctors associations or sickness funds attempt to introduce a diluted version of the DMPs, which are aimed at offering optimal treatment to the chronically ill. "The aim of the DMPs should be to provide a high standard of medical care with better quality and security for the patient and doctor. Any attempt to block this quality improvement is unacceptable," he said. Mr Kirchner added that, if any party failed to comply with the requirements of such programmes, they would be responsible for future demands for change to the health system.