However, the VDGH still sees a need for action in the drafts of the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) for the Health Data Utilization Act (GDNG) and the Act to Accelerate the Digitization of the Healthcare System (Digital Act).
"We see both light and shade in the drafts," says VDGH Managing Director Dr. Martin Walger. "While we expressly support some of the plans, we see a considerable need for improvement in other areas." One positive aspect is that the research industry is to be guaranteed access to pseudonymized health data. This will make new examination and treatment methods possible, which will benefit patients.
From the association's point of view, it is also a step in the right direction that responsibility is to be transferred from the state data protection commissioners to the Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (BfDI). The uniform interpretation of data protection will promote innovation in the healthcare sector.
The VDGH criticizes the fact that although the new version of the Digital Act expands digital health applications (DiGA), insured persons are still not entitled to in-vitro diagnostics software. In particular, chronically ill patients such as diabetics, patients with lung diseases or those in need of care will not benefit from numerous digital health applications that process data from in-vitro diagnostics.
Overall, the VDGH emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive and well-coordinated digitalization strategy. "We are on the threshold of a new era of healthcare. To take full advantage of the opportunities offered by digitalization, we need to ensure that all aspects are properly designed. This requires open discussion and cooperation between all parties involved," says Walger.
