Shortage of doctors in Prignitz: New solutions for rural care!

Shortage of doctors in Prignitz: New solutions for rural care!

Medical care in Prignitz is an issue that concerns residents and decision-makers alike. Ensuring adequate health care is often a challenge in rural communities. But the cities in Prignitz are increasingly taking on a role model role when it comes to attracting new general practitioners and specialists. In Wittenberge, for example, a new medical center on Rathausstrasse was renovated and furnished, and the last practice rooms have already been allocated. Elena Hude's orthodontics office has found its place here on the second floor and in the attic. In addition, rheumatologist Diana Iosub opened her practice on the ground floor, while Annemarie Hefekerl opened her family practice in the medical center on June 2nd Northern Courier reported.

The initiative from Perleberg, where a medical care center (MVZ) has been initiated, is particularly pleasing, and Bad Wilsnack is also planning a MVZ in the Am Gutshof city center. The city administration is currently examining the requirements and financial possibilities for implementing this project, which will house two medical practices on the first floor of the Am Gutshof 5 building complex. But there are also concerns, especially about the accessibility of doctors in rural villages, where cars are often not available.

Young doctors and challenges

The demographic development in the region poses additional challenges: many family doctors in the villages are soon retiring and the search for new specialists is often difficult, especially in the field of dentistry. Citizens have the opportunity to share their experiences and suggestions about the quality of life in the region, according to a health care survey that runs until June 22. The survey includes 30 questions on 15 subject areas and offers participants a chance to win 25 times 200 euros.

Overall, rural healthcare suffers from a lower number of medical facilities compared to urban centers. This leads to long journeys for people in the villages, who are particularly dependent on specialized services. Innovative approaches such as those in the Bpb addressed could provide a remedy here.

Innovative healthcare solutions

Reality shows that the population in rural areas demands high-quality healthcare, which should be guaranteed regardless of where they live. Innovative care concepts, such as the division of labor between health professions or telemedical connections, are necessary here in order to close existing gaps. In Switzerland, for example, similar challenges are seen and have already successfully developed models such as the “Emmental Health Network”, which networks various healthcare providers with one another in order to optimize treatment for chronically ill people. The BFH has been pursuing this approach since 2022 and shows how key healthcare players can work together.

In summary, it can be said that medical care in Prignitz faces challenges, but also offers opportunities to sustainably improve medical care. It takes a good hand to bring the various players together and develop innovative solutions that increase both the accessibility and the quality of medical services in the region.