AOK Advocates for Expansion of Health Kiosks

The initiative to establish health kiosks in socially disadvantaged areas has gained renewed attention, following a recent statement from Karl Lauterbach, the German Federal Minister of Health. Originally, the government aimed to create 1,000 health kiosks as part of the Health Care Strengthening Act (GVSG), but this proposal was significantly scaled down amid pressures from political partners.

Currently, AOK Rheinland/Hamburg operates seven health kiosks in cities including Hamburg, Essen, Aachen, Cologne, and Solingen. During a visit to one of these facilities, Lauterbach reiterated his support for the expansion of this concept.

Matthias Mohrmann, the Deputy Chairman of the AOK Rheinland/Hamburg, praised the minister's commitment, noting the importance of providing accessible health services to individuals who face challenges navigating the complex health and social system.

There is a recognized need for an estimated 50 to 100 additional health kiosks. The correlation between social status and health literacy underscores the necessity for easily accessible advisory services, which are crucial for fostering better health outcomes in vulnerable populations.

Despite the lack of political backing for a broader rollout, AOK remains dedicated to maintaining its existing kiosks to support those in need. Mohrmann emphasized the importance of securing sustainable funding to ensure these vital services can continue to operate effectively.

He called on the new government to facilitate proper financial compensation for the expenditures incurred by statutory health insurance providers, ensuring that health kiosks and similar services can thrive in the future.

Mohrmann's comments reflect a broader sentiment within the health sector that the proposed services must have political support and adequate funding to be sustainable. The AOK estimates that there is a significant national demand for these types of facilities, highlighting the potential for expansion in the coming years.