“Germany's health care system is one of the most expensive in the world, with state health insurers alone spending around €1 billion ($1.15 billion) per day on health care — a number that is expected to rise even more in the next few years.”

“The 10-member commission, which included experts from the fields of economics, medicine and social law, was specifically charged with coming up with too many recommendations as the government is unlikely to be able to implement all of them, if only for political reasons.”

“A new tax on sugary drinks. Commission member Ferdinand Gerlach, director of the Institute for General Practice and a doctor himself, said experience in other countries had shown that when sugar taxes are introduced, manufacturers tend to reduce the sugar content of their products voluntarily.”

“A new measure requiring plannable operations — such as knee replacements — to only be carried out once the patient has received an independent second opinion from another doctor who has no economic stake in the decision.”

“Patients pay more contributions for prescribed drugs. At the moment, health insurers pay for most prescription drugs.”