Lack of doctors in the Neuwied district: concern for the medical future!

Lack of doctors in the Neuwied district: concern for the medical future!

The medical situation in the Neuwied district has achieved a critical level. Current reports by Rhein-Zeitung show that the age structure of the medical profession is very worried. A striking example of the concerned location is the lack of pediatricians in the municipalities of Rengsdorf-Waldbreitbach, Puderbach and Dierdorf. This gap in medical care could have serious consequences for the youngest residents of the region.

The Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians has already requested adjustments to improve the situation. Citizens in the Neuwied district are increasingly concerned about future medical care, which indicates an acute need for action.

Age structure of the medical profession

A look at the overall structure of the medical profession in Germany increases the alarm signs. According to Health dates The average age of the resident doctors is 54.1 years in 2023. This value has risen over many years, but has reached a standstill since 2023. The high proportion of over 60 year olds becomes clear: 36.9% of general practitioners belong to this age group, while 27.2% of specialists in pediatric and adolescent medicine are 60 years or older.

The age structure shows that a significant part of the doctors in professional life could soon retire. In addition, the expected needs of medical seats in the coming years will be particularly worrying for rural regions.

demographic development and its effects

The Federal Ministry of Health indicates the growing demand for doctors, which is caused by demographic developments. According to Federal Ministry of Health are currently 50% of the job-active doctors 50 years or older, even 25% are 60 years or older. This makes it clear that society is confronted with a significant decrease in young doctors, which could endanger medical care in the future.

A decline in the resident doctors by 1.7% since 2018 shows that the structural challenges in the medical landscape have already been felt. At the same time, medical faculties have an increasing number of training positions, which gives hope of a positive turn in the situation.

The current situation in the Neuwied district is symptomatic of a wider trend that shows itself throughout the Federal Republic. In order to secure basic medical care and to stabilize long -term, urgent measures are required. This applies in particular to the recruitment and training of new doctors as well as the creation of attractive employment relationships in rural areas.