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.
