How Long Can a Health System Under the Shadow of Neoliberalism Endure a Pandemic? The Case of Germany; [NEOLİBERALİZMİN GÖLGESİNDEKİ BİR SAĞLIK SİSTEMİ PANDEMİYE NE KADAR DAYANABİLİR? ALMANYA ÖRNEĞİ]

The first COVID-19 cases of Germany were diagnosed in the state of Bavaria at the end of January 2020. Germany passed the period until the end of summer 2020, which can be considered as the first wave of the pandemic, with a high number of cases, but a low case fatality rate. Despite the existence of reasons requiring careful interpretation of the data, it can be argued that Germany was relatively successful in the management of the first wave. This success stems from science institutions such as the Robert Koch Institute, early response to the pandemic, widespread and free testing, contact monitoring that started in a short time, strong intensive care capacity, effective epidemic communication and decisions made according to local specific situations. On the other hand, the lack of health workforce and protective equipment were the factors that overshadow this success. What happened in the second wave showed how the pandemic and social restrictions in Germany deepened the inequalities created by capitalism, and that a health system that puts therapeutic services and technology at the center and under the pressure of neoliberal reforms cannot continue the management of a long-lasting crisis. © 2022, Turkish Medical Association. All rights reserved.