INNOVATIONS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION: NEW GERMAN LAWS AGAINST BRIBERY IN HEALTHCARE AND SPORT

For almost two decades, Germany delayed the implementation of key international anti-corruption conventions. In the last four years, however, the country has made great strides. In two areas it has even become a pioneer of international legislation, as it has introduced criminal offences that specifically address corruption in healthcare and sport.

Encouraging appropriate business practices in healthcare

The healthcare sector is of vital significance. Over the last 50 years, it has become one of the biggest economic markets in Germany. According to data provided by the OECD, Germany pumps more than 11 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) into the healthcare sector. Healthcare spending in the US is in excess of 16 percent. With healthcare spending of only 5 percent of GDP, Turkey ranks at the bottom of the OECD list; however, this still means, in absolute numbers, that $40bn is invested in the Turkish healthcare sector each year. The pharmaceutical sector accounts for a significant portion of health budgets globally; indeed, almost a fifth of the entire healthcare budget across OECD countries is spent on medicines.

Jan-Mar 2018 Issue

University of Augsburg