DM 2 billion saving in German hospitals:

Executive Summary

Cost-cutting measures in German hospitals agreed by the Health Ministry could result in savings of an estimated DM 2,000 million ($1,340 million). Regulatory reform agreed within the coalition still needs approval from the Bundesrat, which is dominated by the opposition SPD. If the draft is approved later this month, the measures will come into force on January 1st, 1996. However, the Health Ministry has stressed that the cost cuts are marginal and not an alternative to the third stage of the health reforms.