Polyclinics in action: Brandenburg is fighting resolutely against a shortage of doctors!

Polyclinics in action: Brandenburg is fighting resolutely against a shortage of doctors!

In view of the pressing challenges in the healthcare system, Health Minister Britta Müller from BSW presented a clear plan: The focus on polyclinics is intended to counteract the shortage of doctors in Brandenburg. These are intended to be central contact points that not only increase access to medical care, but also bring together a variety of specialist disciplines under one roof.

The background is alarming: There are currently 320 general practitioner positions unoccupied in Brandenburg. This is particularly felt by residents of rural areas such as Jüterbog, Rathenow, Schönefeld, Wildau and Schwedt/Oder, where sometimes miserably long waiting times for specialist appointments of up to a year are commonplace. The Minister of Health therefore advocates the establishment of polyclinics nationwide in order to address the challenges and ensure rapid and comprehensive medical care.

A rethink is necessary

But what makes the introduction of polyclinics so important? In Brandenburg, many people often have to travel long distances to receive adequate treatment due to inadequate primary care. While there is an oversupply in cities like Potsdam or Teltow, the health system in rural areas remains severely undersupplied. These imbalances not only lead to a feeling of insecurity, but also endanger the health of citizens.

The need for reform is further highlighted by demographic changes and a care needs analysis commissioned by the Ministry of Health in 2023. This study found that in areas such as Prignitz or Elbe-Elster, almost 50 percent of general practitioners are over 60 years old. According to the results of the analysis The need for inpatient stays could increase slightly in many regions by 2030, while a decline would be observed in others such as Oberspreewald-Lausitz.

Take fears seriously

But the changes in the healthcare system are unsettling many citizens. The Ministry of Health has therefore made trusting communication a priority. People seek not only medical care, but also security and familiarity with the institutions responsible for their health. The hospital reform, which also envisages the closure of facilities such as the hospital in Wittstock/Dosse on January 1, 2027, requires broad participation by all players in the healthcare system. Regional conferences and dialogue forums are held to hear citizens' concerns and incorporate them into planning.

The idea behind the polyclinics could also revolutionize outpatient care. According to the analysis, there is significant potential for outpatient treatment, meaning that many medical services no longer necessarily need to be provided on an inpatient basis. Medical and technical progress also shows that many procedures could be carried out on an outpatient basis, thereby freeing up capacity. This could lead to a more practical solution for patients in Brandenburg and strengthen cooperation between inpatient and outpatient facilities.

Overall, Health Minister Müller's measures show a glimmer of hope for the people of Brandenburg. By creating needs-based solutions, not only the quality of medical care but also general trust in the healthcare system could be strengthened in the future.