Bethel warns against neglect of people with disabilities in the health system
Quick Look
The v. Bodelschwinghsche Stiftungen Bethel warn that people with disabilities are being forgotten in the German health system when it comes to medical care, especially in rural areas where appointments are difficult to obtain, and are calling for more time and better compensation for doctors to meet their special needs.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The v. Bodelschwinghsche Stiftungen Bethel is a diaconal company with locations in eight federal states, almost 26,000 employees and 300 facilities, including hospitals and workshops for the disabled. In 2025, total revenue was just over two billion euros.
In the discussion about cost savings in the healthcare system, the v. Bodelschwinghsche Stiftungen Bethel prevents people with disabilities from being forgotten when it comes to medical care. Especially in rural areas, it is often difficult for those affected to even get an appointment with a family doctor or specialist.
“Our health system is already barely meeting the time needs of these people,” says Pastor Bartolt Haase, chairman of the foundation association. People with disabilities particularly need the peace and quiet they need in order to be able to build trust and communicate in the treatment room, says the Bethel boss.
There is also a lack of incentive for doctors to undertake further professional training because they receive the same remuneration as other patients, even though treatment, for example, requires significantly more effort. “The planned austerity measures will lead to a further increase in work and the time available for those in need,” says the deputy chairman of the v. Bodelschwingh Foundations, Christoph Nolting.
The hurdles for people with disabilities are generally very high. “Participation means not only being able to be there, but also being able to be there – in your home, job and social life,” says Haase. Haase and Nolting are convinced that the welfare state protects democracy. “Anyone who undermines it endangers the cohesion of our society.”
New board since February 2026
Haase has led the foundation association since February and replaced Pastor Ulrich Pohl. The v. Bodelschwingh Foundations are a diaconal company and belong to the diaconal work of the Protestant Church. They operate 300 locations in eight federal states with almost 26,000 employees, including hospitals, workshops for the disabled, kindergartens, nursing homes and hospices.
Total revenue, comparable to business sales, was just over two billion euros in 2025.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The v. The Bodelschwingh Foundations Bethel will continue to draw attention to the disadvantages faced by people with disabilities in the health system and make political demands.
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What specific savings measures are being planned in the healthcare system?
- How should compensation for the treatment of people with disabilities be adjusted?
- What specific steps is the federal government planning to improve accessibility in medical practices?
