The German healthcare system is on the brink of collapse: what can be done?

The number of people affected by multiple illnesses is growing - and with it the need for medical care. At the same time, there are fewer and fewer specialists available to care for patients. In many regions, the system is already overloaded. But that's not all: climate change also poses a growing threat. Periods of heat pose a particular risk to small children, the elderly, the sick and pregnant women. Rising temperatures are also changing the spectrum of infectious diseases. Hospitals and medical practices must be prepared for these developments.

Citizens expect to receive reliable care in the event of illness or an emergency. The coronavirus pandemic has shown this: We need a functioning public health care system - with structures that are also sustainable in times of crisis at municipal, state and federal level. This also includes preventative measures: Vaccinations, check-ups, a balanced diet and climate protection can prevent illness and thus reduce the burden on the healthcare system.

Prof Dr Petra Thürmann is Vice President for Research at Witten/Herdecke University and holds the Chair of Clinical Pharmacology. In her lecture, she will show how demographic, economic and ecological factors are changing our health care system - and what needs to happen to make it fit for the future.

The event will take place on Monday, 16 June, from 8 pm at Haus Witten, Ruhrstraße 86. Admission costs 7 euros at the box office (5 euros reduced for students). The Citizens' University is a joint format of the vhs Witten | Wetter | Herdecke and the WittenLab. Zukunftslabor Studium fundamentale of the Witten/Herdecke University.