Germany's new govt eyes digitalization

BERLIN - Several ministers of German Chancellor Angela Merkel's new cabinet have emphasized digitalization for their future work after taking office.

Digitalization of the public health system will be one of the three priorities of his time in office, Germany's new Health Minister Jens Spahn said Thursday in his first speech in his new role, according to German news agency DPA.

Digitalization must be expanded as a matter of urgency, Spahn said as the portfolio was handed to him by his predecessor Hermann Groehe.

The other two priorities would be expanding the number of caretakers and making sure there were sufficient doctors working in rural areas and that patients could gain access to doctors.

Andreas Scheuer, Transportation and Digital Infrastructure Minister, has said that he will "create better and fairer living conditions for the country", which includes "the comprehensive digital infrastructure of world class".

Anja Karliczek, Education and Research Minister, said Thursday that she will "attach new importance especially to digital teaching facilities" to "offer everyone the chance of good education".

Digitalization has been one of the topics in Germany's coalition negotiations after last year's parliamentary election. German industries have long called for supportive policies for digital development.