Birgit Fischer becomes the new vfa general manager

17.03.2011 10:31

As of May 1, 2011, Birgit Fischer will be the new general manager of the Association of Research-Based Drug Manufacturers (vfa). Fischer is currently chairwoman of the statutory health insurance company with the largest number of members, Barmer GEK. Previously, among other things, she was Minister of Health and Social Affairs for the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and Parliamentary Managing Director of the SPD parliamentary group in North Rhine-Westphalia. She follows Cornelia Yzer, who is leaving the vfa after 15 years to take on a new professional task - according to a press release.

“We are very pleased that we were able to win Birgit Fischer, an experienced and proven health expert, for the vfa. She is an extremely competent contact person for politics and society and will represent the positions of our association with a lot of expertise and commitment,” explains vfa chairman Dr. Wolfgang Plischke the personnel decision. According to Plischke, with Birgit Fischer, the vfa's dialogue with all players in the healthcare industry should be further intensified.

“We need a common alliance for health in Germany. Essentially, it's about ensuring the quality of care and promoting innovation with everyone involved in the healthcare system for the benefit of patients. That’s why I’m really looking forward to the tasks ahead,” said the designated vfa general manager. Fischer continued that the healthcare system is in a state of upheaval. What is therefore necessary is a new common understanding of all those involved in the healthcare system about perspectives and possible solutions to problems as well as reliable efforts at cooperation.