Scandal about mask deals: Spahn under pressure-nothing is secret!

Scandal about mask deals: Spahn under pressure-nothing is secret!

Münster, Deutschland - Jens Spahn, the former Minister of Health, is again exposed to increased criticism due to a controversial mask deal from the early days of corona pandemic. Spahn procured protective masks at fixed prices and without tendering procedures. This led to legal disputes, since numerous suppliers complained because the federal government often did not pay. This unsatisfactory situation could result in risks in billions of billions, such as

A flippant email from Spahn to a mask dealer from 2020 is particularly explosive, which in turn ensures additional public outrage. The mask dealer is now complaining to payment after Spahn decided not to need the masks anymore. A report on the masking deal, created by the special representative Margaretha Sudhof, is currently still under lock and key, which causes the opposition, especially the Greens and the SPD, to request the full disclosure of the results.

The internal procurement report includes about 170 pages and illuminates the chaotic circumstances under which the procurement was in place. According to Tagesschau.de the mask procurement cost the state a lot of money and caused many masks to be destroyed due to insufficient quality. The logistics company Fiege from Münster was also selected as a central procurement, although the responsible procurement office of the Interior Ministry resisted. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Health insisted on commissioning Fiege, which underlines the lack of transparency of the decision.

The new Minister of Health, Nina Warken, plans to extensively report the budget committee about mask purchases, but the closed report raises questions. Rumors that Warken holds back the report to protect Spahn rejects her speaker. Spahn himself justified his measures during the emergency of pandemic and emphasized the urgency of having to act quickly.

consequences for the health system

The masking affair also highlights the general preparation of the German health system during pandemic. As bpb.de at the beginning of the pandemy has been relatively successful, but since then by slow progress in the vaccination campaign and unavailable Protection medical equipment in criticism. High infection and death rates show the weaknesses, while the debate about improving the structures continues. The public health service was often overwhelmed and could not fully counter the challenge.

Current developments in the Ministry of Health underline the challenges that both pandemic and the political actors bring with them. The decision-makers are obliged to learn from the teachings of Corona pandemic and to improve the structures for future health crises.