Streeck calls for a rethink in care for the elderly: Where does the path lead?

Streeck calls for a rethink in care for the elderly: Where does the path lead?

Today the CDU health politician Hendrik Streeck initiated a remarkable discussion about health care for older people. In his most recent speech, he emphasized that it is not about cutting costs, but about the question of how we can better support people in the final phases of their lives. He criticizes the often exaggerated medical care that results from false incentives. In the talk show “Freedom of Expression,” Streeck asked the provocative question of whether it makes sense to prescribe expensive medications to very old people that may not lead to an improvement in quality of life.

Streeck's call for clearer, binding guidelines in medical self-administration is not met with universal approval. Health Minister Nina Warken and deputy government spokesman Steffen Meyer distanced themselves from his statements, which caused consternation among supporters of his ideas. The discussion clearly shows that Streeck's opinion not only raises questions about health care, but also about the dignity and peace of patients in the last phases of life.

Criticism of oversupply and “dead surgery”

Streeck is particularly concerned that older, highly fragile people are often “operated dead”. This practice, he argues, not only creates unnecessary burdens for patients, but also leads to an exponential increase in healthcare costs in the last quarter of life without always resulting in an improvement in quality of life. Examples such as minimally invasive heart valve replacement or repeated hip replacement illustrate his point of view. This raises the question: Where is the quality of life if medical interventions are often carried out without consideration for the patient's well-being?

The German Foundation for Patient Protection supports Streeck's stance and calls for serious consideration when it comes to treating terminally ill people. Board member Eugen Brysch emphasizes that politicians must create the conditions for a worthy alternative in the health system. These issues have led to a mix of agreement and dismay among those involved, increasing pressure on politicians to find solutions that are both economically and ethically justifiable.

A rethink is required

Streeck's statements make it clear that a rethink is necessary. It's about focusing on the wishes of people in their last years of life. Instead of simply extending life, the focus should be on the quality of life and dignity of those affected. It is becoming increasingly clear that many people in the final phase of their illness want to be treated not only with medicine, but also with understanding and compassion.

The issue of health care for older people will continue to be a topic of concern and the discussion about ethics in medicine has been reignited. What remains is the hope that both policymakers and healthcare professionals will find a way to find the balance between medical progress and human well-being.