Proponents of Minister Warken’s plan argue that restoring a direct link between patients and doctors is essential for maintaining the credibility of the German healthcare system. They contend that the current ease of obtaining digital sick notes has created a loophole where medical certification is treated as a commodity rather than a professional judgment. By requiring a more substantial interaction, the government can ensure that only those who are truly incapacitated receive time off, thereby protecting the productivity of the workforce and the fairness of the social security system.
Supporters also point to the importance of the doctor-patient relationship, which they believe is diluted by automated or superficial online assessments. A physical visit or a comprehensive video call allows a physician to perform a more accurate assessment, potentially identifying underlying health issues that a simple digital form might miss. This approach is seen as a necessary correction to prevent the erosion of professional standards in medical diagnostics.
Furthermore, many medical associations have expressed support for measures that reduce the administrative burden of verifying potentially fraudulent claims. By tightening the rules, the government is signaling that medical expertise should remain the cornerstone of health policy. This shift is viewed as a responsible step toward ensuring that digital tools serve to enhance, rather than replace, the essential role of the medical practitioner in the workplace.