German healthcare reform threatens psychotherapy access; UK gets new prime minister
Germany's planned GKV reform with fixed budgets for psychotherapists could lengthen patient waiting times, while the UK has a new prime minister, Andy Burnham.
Mental illnesses are the leading cause of sick leave in Germany, but the upcoming GKV reform could further restrict access to psychotherapy. The reform introduces fixed budgets for psychotherapists, which experts warn may increase waiting times for available treatment slots. Green party health policy expert and physician Paula Piechotta criticizes the cuts, calling instead for reductions in rapidly rising pharmaceutical costs.
Meanwhile, in the UK, after a change in government, Andy Burnham has taken over as prime minister. According to Anne McElvoy's analysis from London, Burnham plans to focus on domestic affairs and define his stance toward Donald Trump.
