The pact for the public health service expires at the end of December 2026. Since the beginning of the year, the state health ministries have been negotiating with the Federal Ministry of Health to make the funds permanent. In addition to increasing staff, the pact is also intended to advance digitalization. According to the ministry, Thuringia has funding of around 21 million euros available for this purpose. The Free State is using around 16.5 million euros of this to develop the central platform “Digital Thuringian Health Authority”.
Digitalization of health authorities
The platform should make it possible to carry out almost all tasks in the health authorities and in collaboration between the institutions digitally. Face-to-face appointments such as school entrance examinations, consultations, help from the social psychiatric service or preventive measures will also be supported digitally in the future, it said.
The tasks of the public health service are diverse and range from drinking water monitoring, the child and adolescent (dental) medical service, hygiene and infection protection to the social psychiatric service and the monitoring of bathing water.
“The public health service often works quietly to promote our health,” explained the acting health minister Heike Werner (Left). It became clear, especially during the corona pandemic, how important a strong and well-equipped public health service is. In order to make this work more visible, the ministry has launched an image campaign on social media channels.
How does the potential expiration of the public health pact in 2026 specifically impact the Thuringian Public Health Institute’s ability to implement digitalization initiatives like the “Digital Thuringian Health Authority”?
## Interview: Securing the Future of Public Health: Digitalization and Beyond
**Introduction**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we’re discussing the future of public health services in Germany, focusing on the critical role of digitalization and the ongoing negotiations to secure funding.
Joining us are:
* **Dr. Anna Schmidt**, Director of the Thuringian Public Health Institute
* **Professor Karl Bauer**, Health Policy Expert at the University of Leipzig
Welcome to both of you.
**Section 1: The Importance of Public Health Services**
* Dr. Schmidt, your institute plays a vital role in safeguarding public health in Thuringia. Could you elaborate on the diverse range of services provided and their impact on people’s lives, particularly beyond crises like the COVID-19 pandemic?
* Professor Bauer, beyond Thuringia, how critical is a robust public health infrastructure to a nation’s overall well-being? What are some of the challenges facing public health services nationwide?
**Section 2: The Pact and Funding**
* Dr. Schmidt, the pact for public health services expires in 2026. What does this mean for Thuringia’s ability to continue providing these essential services? What are the key demands of the negotiations with the Federal Ministry of Health?
* Professor Bauer, going beyond Thuringia’s case, is there a nationwide push for securing funding for public health services long-term? What are some potential arguments both for and against making this funding permanent?
**Section 3: Digitalization: A Pathway Forward**
* Dr. Schmidt, Thuringia is investing heavily in digitizing its public health infrastructure. How will the “Digital Thuringian Health Authority” platform actually transform the way your institute operates and interacts with citizens?
* Professor Bauer, do you think prioritizing digitalization is the right approach to strengthening public health services? What are some potential benefits and potential drawbacks of this approach? What safeguards should be in place to ensure equitable access to these digital services?
**Section 4: Public Awareness and the Future**
* Minister Werner emphasizes the need to make the work of public health services more visible. Dr. Schmidt, what strategies can be implemented to raise public awareness and understanding of the vital contributions made by public health professionals?
* Professor Bauer, looking forward, what are some key priorities for ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of public health services in the face of evolving health challenges and technological advancements?
**Closing**
Thank you both for sharing your valuable insights on this critical issue. The future of public health depends on continued dialog, investment, and innovation. We hope this discussion has shed light on the challenges and opportunities facing this vital sector.
