Opponents of plans for a sweeping reform of Germany's health system won a significant concession yesterday when the government of Angela Merkel, chancellor, said it would delay introducing the controversial measures.

In the latest setback for Ms Merkel in her efforts to hasten reform, the government said it would postpone implementing reforms by three months until April next year. This sparked jubilation among opponents such as doctors, trade unions as well as private and public-sector health insurers, who said the chancellor should use the time to rethink her plans.