Bavaria advocates for German health system's readiness for war
The health minister of Bavaria has highlighted a perceived threat to Europe from Russia, urging the German government to prepare hospitals nationwide to function effectively in the event of a military conflict. In an interview with the Augsburger...
TroibNews 
The health minister of Bavaria has highlighted a perceived threat to Europe from Russia, urging the German government to prepare hospitals nationwide to function effectively in the event of a military conflict.
In an interview with the Augsburger Allgemeine Zeitung published on Monday, Bavarian Health Minister Judith Gerlach stated that the “military threat posed to Europe by Russia and the possible withdrawal of the new US President [Donald] Trump from the previous security partnership also mean a massive need for action on the part of the German healthcare system and the whole civil society.” She believes that simply strengthening the armed forces would not sufficiently address the challenges faced by the country.
“We therefore need a comprehensive ‘civil operational plan Germany’” that addresses a variety of emergencies, including military aggression, Gerlach emphasized.
According to the minister, Germany’s healthcare system must be ready to serve over 80 million civilian residents in addition to treating wounded military personnel in such a scenario.
“The state must set clear standards. This goes for the EU level, the federal and the regional [levels],” she said. Furthermore, she stressed the importance of ensuring that Germany and the EU can produce all necessary medicines and drugs.
Recognizing potential personnel shortages in hospitals during a large-scale military conflict, Gerlach proposed that the German government should consider implementing mandatory civilian service alongside the military draft.
Moscow has consistently refuted claims of intentions to attack NATO or EU member states, dismissing such assertions as “nonsense” aimed at inciting fear and justifying increased defense spending.
In addition, Russian officials have condemned the EU’s recent initiatives toward militarization and the depiction of Moscow as a foe, arguing that these measures only heighten tensions and obstruct peace efforts in the Ukraine conflict.
Max Fischer contributed to this article for TROIB News
In an interview with the Augsburger Allgemeine Zeitung published on Monday, Bavarian Health Minister Judith Gerlach stated that the “military threat posed to Europe by Russia and the possible withdrawal of the new US President [Donald] Trump from the previous security partnership also mean a massive need for action on the part of the German healthcare system and the whole civil society.” She believes that simply strengthening the armed forces would not sufficiently address the challenges faced by the country.
“We therefore need a comprehensive ‘civil operational plan Germany’” that addresses a variety of emergencies, including military aggression, Gerlach emphasized.
According to the minister, Germany’s healthcare system must be ready to serve over 80 million civilian residents in addition to treating wounded military personnel in such a scenario.
“The state must set clear standards. This goes for the EU level, the federal and the regional [levels],” she said. Furthermore, she stressed the importance of ensuring that Germany and the EU can produce all necessary medicines and drugs.
Recognizing potential personnel shortages in hospitals during a large-scale military conflict, Gerlach proposed that the German government should consider implementing mandatory civilian service alongside the military draft.
Moscow has consistently refuted claims of intentions to attack NATO or EU member states, dismissing such assertions as “nonsense” aimed at inciting fear and justifying increased defense spending.
In addition, Russian officials have condemned the EU’s recent initiatives toward militarization and the depiction of Moscow as a foe, arguing that these measures only heighten tensions and obstruct peace efforts in the Ukraine conflict.
Max Fischer contributed to this article for TROIB News
