Citizens' dialogue on health care: Help shape things in Lusatia!

Citizens' dialogue on health care: Help shape things in Lusatia!

In Lusatia, a decisive decision is being made for future healthcare. On November 13, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., a citizens' dialogue will take place in the city of Luckau, which will focus on improving medical care in the region. Citizens from the districts of Dahme-Spreewald, Oberspreewald-Lausitz, Spree-Neiße, Elbe-Elster and the city of Cottbus are cordially invited to take an active part in shaping health care. [Dahme-Spreewald.de](https://www.dahme-spreewald.de/de/aktuelles/ Veranstaltungskalender/buergerdialog-modellregion-gesundheit-lausitz/145930) reports that the dialogue will be led by a professional moderator and that central topics such as collaboration between outpatient and inpatient services, support for people in need of care and innovative digital solutions will be discussed.

The representative of the model region for health, Sebastian Scholl, emphasizes how important this dialogue is. “We have to find out what people really need,” he explains, “only then can we adapt health care accordingly.” District Administrator Sven Herzberger also supports the initiative and warns that reform plans are necessary so that rural regions are not left behind. This shows a great need for action, as medical and nursing care in rural areas is often inadequate. Lübben.de adds that the dialogue series is part of a comprehensive plan by the Medical University of Lausitz – Carl Thiem (MUL–CT) to improve the care structure in the long term.

Monthly appointment and structure

The citizen dialogue is divided into several sub-formats. At the start there will be an introduction to the model region, followed by open exchange sessions. The world cafés, in which smaller discussion groups on central questions about the future take place, are likely to be particularly interesting. In addition, further dates are planned in the coming period: invitations will also be held on November 3rd, 2025 in Königs Wusterhausen and on November 24th, 2025 in Lübben at 5 p.m. Where a maximum of 100 people can take part in the events, prior registration is recommended. Anyone interested can register by email at buergerdialoge@dahme-spreewald.de.

This does not hinder the challenge that is so crucial for the rural region: According to the Federal Agency for Civic Education, the catchment areas for medical service providers are often very large due to the low population density, which results in longer journeys. Specialized health services are particularly rare in rural areas, which is problematic for older people who require more frequent medical care. Pediatric practices also often find it difficult to survive economically. This results in many relying on medical care that may not be directly responsible for them, further complicating the situation.

This makes it all the more important to pursue innovative approaches and link the different sectors, be it through telemedicine offers or mobile healthcare providers. The dialogue on November 13th is a step in the right direction to jointly develop solutions that better reflect the needs of the civil community.