Capital Congress 2026: Medical Wellness also a future model for hospitals and health regions

Berlin, May 30, 2026 – This year's Capital Congress on Medicine and Health in Berlin (June 23-26, 2026) will focus on far-reaching healthcare reforms. Digitalization and new care models will shape the debates of the approximately 5,000 decision-makers from politics, hospitals, science, and the healthcare industry.

Against this background, one topic will gain in importance: “ Medical wellness as a strategic instrument for hospital and site development ”

Hospitals today face the challenge of combining medical excellence with attractive working conditions, prevention, and a stronger patient focus. Medical wellness concepts offer new perspectives in this regard. They combine evidence-based prevention programs, health promotion, rehabilitation, and individual health literacy with the medical services of modern hospitals.

Lutz Lungwitz, Chairman of the German Hospital Association (DWV): “The future of successful hospitals will not be determined solely by bed numbers and diagnosis-related groups (DRGs). What will be crucial is how institutions approach healthcare holistically – for patients as well as for staff.”

Attracting and retaining skilled workers

In light of the ongoing shortage of skilled workers, employer attractiveness is increasingly coming into focus for hospital management. Health-promoting work environments, prevention programs, stress management, and innovative medical wellness offerings for patients and staff can be important components of a modern personnel and patient strategy.

From hospital to health campus

Significant potential lies in the further development of traditional hospitals into integrated health centers. In addition to acute care and rehabilitation, medical wellness services can attract new target groups and strengthen regional healthcare.

Particularly in touristically attractive regions, models are emerging that combine medical expertise, prevention, medical wellness longevity concepts, and health tourism. This opens up additional economic opportunities for hospitals and municipalities.

Rethinking health

The Capital Congress 2026 makes it clear: The transformation of the healthcare system requires innovative approaches beyond traditional care structures. Medical wellness can become a unifying element in this process.

The discussions in Berlin show that holistic healthcare concepts will play a central role in the future competitiveness of hospitals and healthcare regions. The DMWV will support this development.