State and health

This paper examines the health functions of the state in the F.R.G. in their historical, political and socio-economic inter-relationships. The main focus is on the antagonistic interests of the social classes. Special emphasis is placed on an analysis of the health political state intervention of 1974 which marked the beginning of the far-reaching economic crisis. There were serious restrictions placed on utilization such as co-payments and other interventions: commercialization; privatization; individualization; and the rationalization of public services. Moreover, as the data show, there have been massive transferences within the public service system at the expense of the socially insured.