She emphasizes that a robust healthcare system is as essential to national defense as military capabilities, necessitating enhanced patient care provisions during emergencies.

In response to escalating geopolitical tensions, Gerlach has called for a nationwide civilian operations plan to ensure adequate medical care in the event of war.

She has called for explicit directives from state authorities at the EU, federal, and state levels, including the establishment of a civilian operations plan for Germany.

Recent agreements among the Union, SPD, and Greens have introduced a multi-billion package aimed at bolstering defense and infrastructure, alongside proposed constitutional amendments to facilitate increased defense spending.

The German Red Cross has issued a warning regarding inadequate civilian protection in the event of war, highlighting significant deficiencies in civil defense measures despite previous calls for reform.

Christian Reuter, Secretary General of the German Red Cross, has pointed out that civil defense remains unprepared for potential conflict situations, despite a recognized shift in security strategy three years ago.

Gerlach stresses the necessity of evaluating which healthcare standards and reporting obligations can be relaxed during crises, particularly concerning personnel requirements.

Bavarian Health Minister Judith Gerlach has underscored the critical need for Germany's healthcare system to be prepared for potential war scenarios, particularly in light of military threats from Russia and evolving U.S. security partnerships.

The federal government is urged to provide clear guidelines for healthcare operations during crises, focusing on potential shortages and resource allocation.

In preparation for serious incidents, the Bavarian government has requested hospitals to report on their emergency planning and readiness, while organizations are training support staff to assist healthcare personnel.

The proposed plan aims to ensure medical and nursing care for over 80 million people under wartime conditions, while also addressing the needs of injured soldiers.

Gerlach has also highlighted the importance of securing IT infrastructure against foreign attacks and suggested that Germany should revive its pharmaceutical production capabilities to ensure drug supply security.