The emergence of the GHA – German Health Alliance
The GHA – German Health Alliance was formed from the merger of the German Healthcare Partnership (GHP), the German Healthcare Export Group (GHE) and the German-Sino Healthcare Group (GSHCG) in 2020.
German Healthcare Partnership (GHP)
Founded in 2010, the GHP was an initiative of the German Federal Government and the Federation of German Industries (BDI) with the support of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Its goal was to contribute German health expertise to international partnerships and develop sustainable solutions for health systems.
As early as the mid-1990s, it became clear that Germany's international cooperation needed to expand beyond primary health care. Development partners demanded integrated health solutions – from education and financing to hospital operations. The GHP emerged in response to this need and was initiated by an initial working group of experts from politics, business, and academia, and was initially funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
- Honorary President: Robert Gärtner (?)
German Healthcare Export Group (GHE)
Founded in 1991, GHE supported German medical technology companies in gaining international market access. Initially focused on the Middle East region, it quickly expanded its reach to include Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America.
A key focus was the company's presence at leading international trade fairs such as MEDICA in Düsseldorf and Arab Health in Dubai. Members covered virtually the entire spectrum of medical technology – from electromedicine and diagnostics to hospital equipment and IT solutions.
Honorary Chair:
- Heinz-Jürgen Witzke, Beta Publishing GmbH
- Stefan Ohletz
- Markus Braun, MEIKO Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG
- Erhard Fichtner, Protec GmbH
- Ronald Singer, Siemens AG
Honorary members:
- Werner Friedrich
- Sönke Vogel, seca gmbh & co. kg
German-Sino Healthcare Group (GSHCG)
Founded in 2006, the GSHCG promoted bilateral exchange between Germany and China in the healthcare sector. Based on an agreement between the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Technology (BMWi) and the National Development and Reform Commission of China (NDRC), it supported the development of an integrated healthcare system.
Fusion
The merger of GHP, GHE, and GSHCG in 2020 to form GHA – German Health Alliance – combined the strengths and expertise of the three associations and created an integrated network for international healthcare cooperation. Through this merger, members benefit from a broader range of experience and enhanced collaboration.