The Society for Citizen’s reports - a German NGO - has issued the results of the opinions of 400 German citizens’ on the issue of the reform of their health system.
The report was commissioned by the Bavarian State Ministry for Environment, Health and Consumer protection, and it was carried out with the purpose of feeding into the health reform that the State is developing.
The randomly selected participants worked in small groups during four days to discuss and find solutions for given problems.
The results of their work cover a wide range of issues, amongst them: prevention of widespread diseases, healthy lifestyles, environment and health, occupational health, effectiveness of health promotion campaigns and the financing of the German health system.
According to the report, what German citizens aim at is a balance between their own responsibility and effort and the support of the health system and the state. This support should consist mainly of information, education and also (in some defined areas) financial or similar incentives for less risky and healthier behaviour.
The participants also pointed out that effective public health policies must take into account the opinion of citizens, and not to focus only on the opinion of traditional stakeholders such as interest groups, private companies or insurance firms. Journalists, health insurance companies, health professionals and associations must work closely together.
The full report in available in German only, on request to Ms Hilmar Sturm
You can also download the 16 pages abstract in English.
