The health care system rests on three pillars:

1) Primary care by general practitioners

There are around 40,000 general practitioners working in Germany who provide out-patient care. Both general practitioners and medical specialists have their own practices. Advanced diagnostic standards are therefore ensured from the start in primary care. If necessary, general practitioners refer patients to hospitals for acute care.


2) Acute care hospitals

Germany has about 2,250 acute care hospitals. The large number of hospitals ensures that medical care is widespread throughout Germany. The majority of hospitals–about 1,600–provide basic health care for patients. An additional 450 hospitals offer patients maximal medical care. These hospitals also have highly specialized units equipped to treat patients with complex medical problems.

Furthermore, 48 university hospitals provide top medical care in Germany. Staff at these teaching hospitals also conduct comprehensive research, and offer virtually every form of medical treatment.

3) After-care and Rehabilitation Clinics

With over 1,000 rehabilitation clinics, Germany sets global standards in the provision of rehabilitation services following acute medical care.

At these clinics, patients relearn to care for themselves in their normal everyday contexts. Permanently disabled patients are taught to accept their handicap and become as self-reliant as possible.


The Committee pursues its goals with a strong commitment to enhancing international medical dialogue and making the high quality of German medical services known to the world. It will continue in its efforts to promote the positive image of German medical facilities and its further development abroad by more actively co-operating with international partners.