BERLIN, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Doctors and nurses have called for an urgent reform of Germany's health system as official coalition negotiations commenced on Wednesday.
Frank Ulrich Montgomery, President of the German Medical Association, urged the next government to take "immediate measures" to combat a lack of doctors in the newspaper "Bild".
According to Montgomery, at least 1,000 additional places for medical students needed to be created in order for Germany's health system to be able to meet growing demand from patients.
Furthermore, Montgomery demanded more public funds to improve the cooperation between outpatients' clinics in hospitals and doctors' practices.
Franz Wagner, President of the German Nursing Council, joined Montgomery's appeal.
Wagner demanded better working conditions, better pay and more responsibility for nurses. He also pointed to the need for additional staff.
