Overview
- Judith Gerlach, Bavaria's Health Minister, has proposed a 'Civil Operations Plan Germany' to prepare the healthcare system for crises, including military scenarios.
- She emphasized that a robust healthcare system is as critical to national defense as military readiness, citing the threat from Russia and uncertainty about U.S. security policies under President Trump.
- Hospitals in Bavaria have been asked to report on their emergency preparedness, with many optimizing plans to address potential wartime conditions.
- Gerlach advocates for measures such as securing pharmaceutical supplies, enhancing IT infrastructure protection, and increasing domestic production of essential medicines.
- The German Red Cross has echoed concerns over civil protection gaps, warning that the country remains unprepared for potential wartime scenarios.