Shortage of doctors in the Kronach district: KVB under pressure!

Shortage of doctors in the Kronach district: KVB under pressure!

The discussion about medical care in rural regions, especially in and around the Kronach district, is gaining momentum. State parliament member Baumgärtner initiated a debate about the Bavarian Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KVB) and pointed out the concerns of the population. DGB district chairman Wolfgang Schmitt in particular expressed concern about the current developments surrounding the KVB. He calls for greater attention to the challenges facing medical care in rural areas. According to [NP Coburg](https://www.np-coburg.de/content.diskussion-ueber-kvb-dgb-kreischef- Answeret-baumgaertner.338b598b-4d6d-4249-9227-d63e683b9fc8.html), ensuring comprehensive and high-quality healthcare in these areas is a central task of public services.

Why is this important? In rural regions such as the Kronach district, the shortage of doctors is pressing. Low population density means that the nearest health care facilities are often far away. Long journeys and limited access to specialized treatments are the order of the day. The Federal Agency for Civic Education emphasizes that older people and people with multiple illnesses in particular are often dependent on greater medical care. This makes it difficult for them to access necessary treatments.

Medical shortages and innovative approaches

The situation is not unique. A study by the Robert Bosch Foundation shows that around 11,000 family doctor positions in Germany could remain unfilled by 2035, threatening 40% of rural districts. According to the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, aging, a shortage of skilled workers and the decline in rural doctors are the main causes of this alarming development. Innovative concepts such as digital health stations are now being tested to help rural regions. These stations are intended to make long journeys unnecessary and ensure quick and effective patient care.

Particular attention is paid to the “Neighborhood Diagnostics” project, which is being developed by the Fraunhofer core institutes. A digital platform is being created that networks medical data and makes it easier to connect mobile health services. This allows patients to carry out tests on site and transmit the results directly to doctors without having to endure long travel times.

The challenges of public services

How will care develop in the future? Health care in rural areas is often more expensive per capita to ensure comparable standards to urban areas. The DGB and other organizations advocate better integration of medical care into public services planning in order to meet the aging of society and the specific needs of the rural population. Cooperation between different health professions and more effective demand planning are essential today.

In summary, it can be said that medical care in rural areas urgently needs to be reviewed and adjusted. The dialogue around the KVB and innovative approaches are the first step in the right direction to close future gaps and secure health care for all citizens.