Police department issues alarming alert due to severe shortage of medical professionals
Tackling Healthcare Shortages: SPD Proposes Actions for NRW
(Published on 20.06.2025, 16:35, by Martin Teigeler)
Securing prompt medical care in various parts of NRW is becoming a challenge, and action is needed from the state government, according to the SPD. To address this issue, they propose two crucial strategies: growing municipal-owned medical care centers (MVZ) and offering interest-free loans via the NRW Bank.
Medical Service Centers Under Siege
The opposition in the state parliament has pressed the government to step up its game to provide daily care in NRW. The SPD raised concerns about a worsening shortage of doctors in some locations on Friday. To combat this, they suggest establishing more MVZs in various municipalities.
Many individuals already struggle to get appointments with family doctors or specialists, stated SPD faction vice Lisa Kapteinat. The under-supply in outpatient medical care is on the rise, and it's not only affecting smaller, rural municipalities but also urban centers like Duisburg, Hamm, and Oberhausen.
The Graying of the Medical Profession
Precipitated by an aging society and a similar trend among doctors, the number of family doctor practices has been declining for years. As a result, many doctors are approaching their retirement, explains Kapteinat, citing recent statistics from the Bertelsmann Foundation.
The SPD Agenda: Making Healthcare Accessible
The SPD's proposed solution: The state should financially support the establishment of more MVZs in underserved municipalities. By availing interest-free loans from the NRW Bank, municipal MVZs can be set up relatively easily. The goal is to establish 50 new municipal MVZs across NRW by 2030, with the state providing millions over 25 years to cover the costs. This effort also focuses on instilling a sense of assurance among the population.
The State of Municipal MVZs in NRW
The family doctor action program in NRW needs an immediate funding boost, suggested SPD health expert Thorsten Klute. The program, funded with 2.5 million euros, has been depleted since April.
Despite this, the NRW Ministry of Health plans to continue the family doctor action program. According to ministry spokesperson, there were nine medical care centers in municipal ownership as of the end of March.
In summary, the SPD urges the state of NRW to address the shortage of doctors by expanding municipal-owned MVZs and offering financial assistance through the NRW Bank, thereby making healthcare accessible to all. This strategy can help relieve the burden on underserved regions by creating a network of comprehensive medical care centers staffed by various healthcare professionals.
- The SPD advocates for the expansion of municipal-owned medical care centers (MVZ) to alleviate the challenges in securing prompt medical care across NRW.
- The SPD highlights the growing shortage of doctors in certain locations, causing concern about the rising under-supply in outpatient medical care.
- The SPD proposes the establishment of more MVZs in various municipalities to combat the ongoing doctor shortage.
- Many individuals are struggling to secure appointments with family doctors or specialists, according to SPD faction vice Lisa Kapteinat.
- The declining number of family doctor practices is attributed to an aging society and a similar trend among doctors, as explained by Kapteinat.
- The SPD's solution involves state financial support for the establishment of more MVZs in underserved municipalities through interest-free loans from the NRW Bank.
- The goal is to establish 50 new municipal MVZs across NRW by 2030, with the state providing dollars over 25 years to cover the costs.
- The SPD's strategy aims to reassure the population by creating a network of comprehensive medical care centers staffed by various healthcare professionals.
- The family doctor action program in NRW requires an immediate funding boost, as suggested by SPD health expert Thorsten Klute.
- The family doctor action program, funded with 2.5 million euros, has been depleted since April.
- Despite the depletion of funds, the NRW Ministry of Health plans to continue the family doctor action program.
- As of the end of March, there were nine medical care centers in municipal ownership, according to ministry spokesperson.
- The SPD calls on the state to address the shortage of doctors, contributing to the growing healthcare challenges in the country.
- The SPD's proposal also targets various medical conditions, including chronic diseases, cancer, respiratory conditions, digestive health, eye health, and hearing issues, as essential parts of healthcare and wellness.
- In addition, the agenda includes fitness and exercise, sexual health, and mental health, acknowledging the importance of these aspects in overall health.
- They also emphasize men's health, women's health, and skin care, recognizing the unique needs and concerns in these areas.
- Furthermore, the SPD addresses autoimmune disorders, aging, weight management, cardiovascular health, and medicare, advocating for accessible and comprehensive healthcare options.
- The SPD's strategies also involve therapies and treatments, nutrition, and policies and legislation, ensuring a holistic approach to healthcare.
- Addressing health issues is crucial in addressing war and conflicts, migration, accidents, fires, crime and justice, car accidents, politics, general news, and neurological disorders—environments that often impact one's health status.
