Five million euros for Thuringian clinics: Does that help rural care?

Five million euros for Thuringian clinics: Does that help rural care?

Health in rural areas faces new challenges. A current initiative can now provide some relief: Thuringian clinics in rural areas will receive five million euros in subsidies from health insurance companies in 2025. This support is not only important, but also urgently needed, because medical care is often perceived as inadequate. How n-tv reported, statutory and private health insurers pay flat-rate subsidies of up to one million euros to nine “necessary” clinics.

Since 2020, the payment of the latest security surcharges has been part of the financial support available to clinics that are essential for comprehensive inpatient care. Such surcharges are a relevant contribution to ensuring medical services in rural areas. Clinics with specialist departments in pediatric and adolescent medicine, obstetrics, internal medicine and surgery are particularly supported.

Focus on essential clinics

The list of clinics that benefit from this funding is long and includes, among others, the Helios Clinic in Meiningen and the Südharz Clinic in Nordhausen. A total of 129 essential clinics across Germany will receive 79 million euros in 2025 - that is 18.8 million euros more than in the current year. But the situation is complex: The German Hospital Society (DKG) has generally welcomed the payment of these surcharges, but reference is also made to the restrictive conditions that exclude many clinics from funding. The need for financial support is often greater than expected.

The grants include flat-rate payments for one or two necessary specialist departments as well as further payments for each additional specialist department. This makes it clear that the need in rural regions is great. Not only is the distance to the nearest clinic an important issue, but the low population density also means that some specialist areas cannot be operated economically due to insufficient case numbers.

Supply situation in rural areas

Medical and nursing care in rural areas represents a major challenge. The long journey to see doctors and clinics is often a nuisance for those affected. An analysis by the Federal Agency for Civic Education highlights that health care in rural areas is more expensive in order to achieve the same conditions as in urban areas. Nevertheless, solid operational concepts are needed to ensure access to medical services. The number of doctors and specialists is often lower in rural regions, which exacerbates the supply problem.

Innovative approaches are necessary to close the existing gaps in healthcare. Concepts such as telemedical care or cooperation between different health professions could play a role. The focus must be on accessibility and local offerings so that people in rural areas receive the medical support they need.

All of these aspects make it clear that it is not just about financial support, but also about the quality of health care. This is the only way to ensure sustainable, comprehensive healthcare that is tailored to people's needs.