Unspeakable AfD equation of the Federal Minister of Health

GFO takes the side of the German Hospital Federation

The GFO sharply and unequivocally rejects the accusations made by the Federal Minister of Health against the German Hospital Federation (DKG). Karl Lauterbach had put the DKG on a par with the AfD. The background to this is that the DKG has repeatedly criticised the Health Minister's so-called reform plans for the German hospital landscape. The DKG considers some of these to be wrong and harmful. In response, Lauterbach claimed on social media that the DKG was unsettling patients and arguing "no more differentiated than the AfD".

The management of the GFO - the Franciscan association includes 18 hospital locations - unequivocally rejects Lauterbach's accusations. It emphasises: "This unspeakable AfD equation is an attempt to discredit and ultimately silence legitimate criticism in a democratic and pluralistic society by labelling it as extremism."

The German Hospital Federation represents the interests of hospitals in Germany. It is therefore also committed to providing people with the best possible healthcare and good jobs. The AfD, on the other hand, is categorised by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution as right-wing extremist and anti-constitutional in parts.

The GFO management therefore emphasises: "This derailment by the Federal Minister of Health cannot be justified by anything. An apology is the least that can now be expected. It is not just a matter of protecting the DKG as an association from such accusations, but also the many active members of the DKG who work on a voluntary basis for the people in our country. They now have to hear that their commitment to good patient care is no different from that of the AfD. This is intolerable.

"The GFO will continue to support the DKG in its commitment to good healthcare and a healthy hospital landscape," concludes the GFO management.