Joint declaration: Democracy and pluralism as the foundation for a humane healthcare system

Berlin, 18.03.2024 - Democracy and pluralism are basic prerequisites for living in peace and freedom. They are fundamental to the well-being of our country and the foundation for living and working together in all areas of our society. The healthcare system in Germany in particular is based on these principles. Tolerance, humanity and diversity count here, because medicine knows no borders. Employees in our healthcare system come from all parts of the world. In accordance with our professional ethos, patients receive medical care regardless of their origin, gender, religion, social status or sexual orientation.

Doctors, as the initiators of this declaration, as well as other professions from the healthcare sector, are therefore very concerned about the increase in hatred and hate speech and how our democratic values are increasingly being called into question. Democracy, the rule of law and human rights are essential for a humane, non-discriminatory healthcare system. People with a migration background are naturally part of our society. Medical and nursing care in Germany cannot and will not do without their contribution. The exchange of ideas and cooperation with people from different nations and cultures enriches our work and is essential for scientific excellence and medical progress.

It is encouraging to see hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets week after week to defend freedom and democracy. It is the task of all of us to defend our free basic order against anti-democratic forces, to oppose any radical, exclusionary tendencies and to stand up for respect for human dignity.

The professional groups and institutions in our healthcare system are particularly committed to this goal.

You can find the PDF of the joint declaration here.