Immediate Hiring: Reduced Subsidies Alleviate Physician Backlogs - Medical practitioners urgently required - Grants alleviate obstacles
Doctor Shortage Alleviated Slightly in Saxony-Anhalt with Subsidy Program
Saxony-Anhalt, a German state, has been dealing with a shortage of doctors. One solution implemented over a year ago is a subsidy scheme, providing funding to doctors who establish a new practice or continue an existing one in regions facing or experiencing a shortage. Preliminary results suggest that this measure has been successful in eliminating or minimizing identified supply gaps. However, the subsidy program represents a small step towards the challenges ahead.
As of April 30, 2025, approximately 950,000 euros had been distributed from the total funds available, accounting for almost 38% of the total amount. An additional 290,000 euros have already been approved for practice foundations.
The Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KV) in Saxony-Anhalt anticipates noticeable improvements in the near future, particularly in ophthalmology in the Altmark region, pediatrics in the Börde region, and various areas of general medical care. According to the KV, two ophthalmologists in the Stendal district have received funding, as well as 24 general practitioners in regions such as Bernburg, Köthen, and Osterburg, Salzwedel, Sangerhausen, and Zerbst. Two pediatricians and two child and adolescent psychiatrists in the Börde district are also on the list of recipients.
Out of the 45 funding applications submitted, 29 were approved, four were rejected, and the remaining applications were withdrawn by applicants. The foundation for the funding was laid by the state committee of doctors and health insurance companies in Saxony-Anhalt, with a total of 2.52 million euros available until June 30, 2026. General practitioners, ophthalmologists, ear, nose, and throat specialists, pediatricians, neurologists, and child and adolescent psychiatrists are eligible for this funding.
Forecasts by the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians predict around 520 positions could be unfilled in Saxony-Anhalt within five years, with over twice as many general practitioners among those vacancies. This increased shortage is attributed to approximately a third of doctors planning to retire by 2030, equating to nearly 1,180 doctors in total. However, the intake side is expected to feature around 870 doctors, with a trend among younger doctors favoring part-time work and employment opportunities rather than practice ownership. The Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians warns that the statutory healthcare system is facing growing challenges due to the insufficient number of doctors needed to maintain current levels of supply.
In strategizing to address the doctor shortage, efforts include enhancing recruitment by improving working conditions and salaries, supporting international and immigrant doctors with language learning programs, modifying administrative procedures, and increasing the number of training and residency positions in Saxony-Anhalt. Future plans include offering targeted incentives, such as housing subsidies, family support, and career development programs, to encourage pediatricians and general practitioners to establish their practice in rural regions. The recognition of foreign medical qualifications, along with enhanced integration support, is also prioritized, aiming to deploy qualified foreign doctors more efficiently to underserved areas. Lastly, the adoption of telemedicine, which extends care reach, may become a viable solution for alleviating doctor shortages in the future.
Vocational training for general practitioners, ophthalmologists, pediatricians, ear, nose, and throat specialists, neurologists, and child and adolescent psychiatrists is crucial for enhancing the community policy and addressing the doctor shortage. To promote health and wellness, it's essential to focus on medical-conditions, chronic-diseases, and science, especially in the context of telemedicine, as a potential solution for alleviating medical service gaps.
