German doctors are outraged by new coalition plans requiring sick notes from day one, calling them ‘catastrophic.’

Germany’s healthcare professionals are fiercely criticizing the coalition’s decision to abolish phone-based sick notes and mandate physical sick notes from the first day of illness. Markus Blumenthal-Beier, head of the German Association of General Practitioners, described the move as ‘absolutely catastrophic,’ warning of overwhelming bureaucracy and longer wait times for patients needing urgent care.

The Federal Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians echoed these concerns, calling the decision ‘an insult’ and ‘bordering on insanity.’ Critics argue the policy will flood already overburdened practices with unnecessary visits, especially during flu season, worsening infection risks and straining medical resources. Former Health Minister Karl Lauterbach and Green Party representatives have also condemned the plan, highlighting its negative impact on patient care and infection control.