Health in Saxony-Anhalt: The Shift Towards More Private Medical Care Centers
Additional medical care facilities becoming available in Saxony-Anhalt - Expansion of Health Facilities in Saxony-Anhalt Continues
When it comes to the number of Medical Care Centers (MVZ) in Saxony-Anhalt, the surge is notable. From 74 facilities in 2019, the tally climbed to 111 by the end of 2024, according to a recent report by state parliamentarian Nicole Anger (Left) [1]. Notably, Halle hosts 23 MVZs, Magdeburg and Harz district both boast 19, and Burgenland district boasts 11.
Anger, however, raises concerns about the growing number of MVZs falling under private ownership. With more profit-driven providers taking center stage, economic interests begin to overshadow medical requirements, according to the health policy spokeswoman of the Left faction.
Specialties such as surgery, orthopedics, radiology, and dentistry garner more attention over primary care—a clear indication that money, not public well-being, dominates [2].
Critical Situation in the Altmark
Anger flags the Altmarkkreis Salzwedel as a particularly critical region where both MVZs and a sustainable hospital infrastructure are severely lacking. For years, reliable medical care in the region's north has been at risk [3].
To address these supply gaps, Anger calls for government intervention. The Left demand support for community-oriented and communal MVZs.
Curiously, no communally owned MVZs currently exist in Saxony-Anhalt. The state government has reported no municipalities actively pursuing this agenda. Additionally, no funds are earmarked in the state budget for promoting and supporting communal MVZs [4].
Unlike a doctor's practice, MVZs operate with an organizational separation of ownership from medical treatment. Doctors often serve as salaried staff [5].
Community-led Healthcare: A Possible Solution for Rural Areas?
Community involvement in healthcare is essential for rural areas like Saxony-Anhalt. Community-owned MVZs could thrive through initiatives that foster local ownership and participation in healthcare services. This could involve municipal or regional health initiatives, similar to rural health events like the upcoming 14th EURIPA Rural Health Forum (June 2025), focusing on rural healthcare needs, reforms, and community well-being [6].
Potential Measures
Supporting communal MVZs might entail financial incentives, training programs for local healthcare professionals, and infrastructure development, all components of broader regional health policies designed to enhance accessibility and quality of healthcare in rural areas.
However, for more specific details about community-owned MVZs in Saxony-Anhalt, it's advisable to reach out to local health authorities or regional medical associations directly.
Enrichment Data:
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Data on community-owned MVZs in Saxony-Anhalt was scarce from search results. However, here's some context and potential avenues for further investigation:
- Community Involvement in Healthcare: Encouraging community involvement in healthcare services, such as creating community-owned MVZs, is significant for rural areas. This could involve mobilizing municipal or regional health initiatives.
- Rural Health Initiatives: The EURIPA Rural Health Forum (June 2025) focuses on rural healthcare needs, including rural health reforms and community well-being [2]. These events highlight the need for local health initiatives and community engagement in healthcare.
- Potential Measures: Support for communal MVZs could involve financial incentives, training programs, and infrastructure development. Such measures might be part of broader regional health policies aiming to improve healthcare accessibility and quality in rural areas.
- In the light of the growing number of privately-owned Medical Care Centers (MVZs) in Saxony-Anhalt, there's a call for community-owned MVZs to address the supply gaps, particularly in critical regions like the Altmarkkreis Salzwedel.
- A potential solution for rural areas like Saxony-Anhalt could be the establishment of community-owned MVZs, which could be fostered through local ownership and participation in healthcare services, similar to rural health events like the upcoming 14th EURIPA Rural Health Forum.
- To bridge the gap in rural healthcare, potential measures for community-owned MVZs might include financial incentives, training programs for local healthcare professionals, and infrastructure development, all components of broader regional health policies aimed at enhancing accessibility and quality of healthcare.
