The plans of the Federal Ministry of Health to cut the Innovation Fund to 100 million euros in 2026 are met with criticism from evidence-based medicine. The German Society for General Practice and Family Medicine (DEGAM) is now warning that this would endanger medical care, as research and guideline development would be impaired. The reduction must not become a permanent solution.

To close financial gaps in the statutory health insurance funds, the ministry is planning savings, including halving the fund from 200 to 100 million euros. The fund supports general medical research projects and medical guidelines. The society emphasizes that such projects strengthen the health system and improve care. A reduction would reduce quality, efficiency, innovation and safety.

Many funded projects aim at cost-efficient and resource-saving care, which could relieve the burden on health insurance companies. The reduction would hinder precisely these initiatives, according to DEGAM. The financing of guidelines that translate scientific evidence into practical tips and avoid under, incorrect or oversupply is also threatened.

Cuts would interrupt ongoing processes and prevent updates, which would increase costs and risks in the long term. Guidelines would have to be updated every three to five years to ensure patient safety and efficiency.

Similar criticism comes from the German Network for Health Services Research, which sees the cut as the wrong signal and sees the fund as the key to better care. The cabinet has approved the austerity package, which, in addition to the fund cut, provides for limits on the administrative costs of the health insurance funds. The measures are intended to stabilise the additional contribution rate.

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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