Doctor's scholarship in Perleberg rejected - MVZ start postponed!

Doctor's scholarship in Perleberg rejected - MVZ start postponed!

In Perleberg, discussions about health care are in full swing. The topic of the doctor's scholarship in particular caused a stir in the city council. A request from the Left parliamentary group to introduce such a program in the second quarter of 2023 was rejected. The reason for the rejection is the upcoming opening of a medical care center (MVZ) in the city. This is scheduled to open its doors on July 1, 2025, as Nordkurier reports.

The city administration confirms that a general practitioner has already been recruited for the MVZ. In addition, the city of Perleberg is in the final stages of preparing the necessary approval documents. This includes adjustments to the schedule that will likely be necessary. The main goal remains to ensure high-quality healthcare, especially with regard to Dr. Sonja Gericke, who would like to retire soon.

An MVZ as a solution for rural areas

The need for an MVZ is particularly great in rural areas. The Brandenburg Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians classifies the Perleberg-Wittenberge middle area as “threateningly undersupplied”. Across Germany, medical practices in rural regions are struggling with recruitment problems. By 2035, it is estimated that up to 50% of primary care physicians will retire due to age. In this situation, MVZs, as described by the Federal Ministry of Health, represent an attractive alternative. They offer young doctors flexible working hours and integrated care from a single source.

The concept of the MVZ differs fundamentally from the classic practice organization. The separation of ownership and medical treatment enables broader, interdisciplinary care. They can also act as a link between outpatient and inpatient care and thus ensure holistic health care.

The challenges in rural areas

But the challenges are immense. In rural regions like Perleberg there are fewer health care facilities than in urban centers. This often leads to longer journeys for patients. In addition, the population there is usually older and has poor health, which increases the demand for medical care. As the Federal Agency for Civic Education shows, innovative care models are necessary to close existing gaps.

Against this background, MVZs are a promising approach to improving medical and nursing care. Integrating different disciplines under one roof could help ensure health standards and meet the needs of an aging population. The Perleberg location could take an important step in the right direction with the new supply center.

The next few months will show whether the city of Perleberg can attract the necessary specialists to successfully establish the MVZ and maintain health care. A lot depends on the health of the middle sector, and citizens can be curious to see how things will develop.