Thuringia Increases Financial Support for Healthcare Professionals in Rural Areas

The state of Thuringia has expanded its financial assistance program to encourage the establishment and succession of medical practices and pharmacies in rural regions. For the current year, over 1.2 million euros have been allocated to support this initiative, benefitting 26 physicians, nine dentists, and one pharmacist, according to information from the State Administration Office. Each recipient could receive up to 45,000 euros, depending on the specific circumstances and location.

Looking ahead to the following year, Thuringia has already approved 375,000 euros in subsidies for healthcare professionals, including doctors, dentists, and pharmacists, who plan to set up practices or take over existing ones in smaller communities. Additional applications for funding are anticipated as the year progresses.

The state's support program, originally introduced under the former coalition government, aims to address healthcare gaps in smaller towns and rural areas. Data from the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians highlights the ongoing need for professionals, with approximately 110 general practitioner positions and five pediatrician posts currently vacant across Thuringia. Further shortages exist in other specialties, such as ophthalmology (around 13 vacancies) and neurology (seven unfilled positions statewide).

In recent years, the challenge of finding successors for dental practices has intensified, reversing a period of previous overcapacity in the region. Both the Chamber of Pharmacists and the Pharmacists' Association have also raised concerns about the growing difficulties in replacing pharmacists who are retiring due to age. The amount of funding awarded per individual is determined by several factors, including the profession and the population size of the community where the practice or pharmacy will be located or transferred.

Throughout the year, a total of 42 healthcare professionals applied for the local government's support for practice establishment, while 13 additional applications were filed for the following year. However, not all requests were approved. In each of the medical and dental fields, three applications were declined, primarily because the relevant regions were not considered underserved or because applicants had already begun the establishment process prior to the official decision.

Changes to the support program are scheduled for next year. The maximum subsidy per healthcare professional will be increased to up to 50,000 euros. Additionally, adjustments to the application process are planned, including the extension of eligibility to first-degree relatives--such as children--who intend to take over family-run practices or pharmacies. Discussions regarding these modifications are ongoing between the State Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, and the State Audit Office.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure the long-term availability of healthcare services in Thuringia's rural and smaller urban areas, helping to mitigate the impact of demographic changes and the growing shortage of medical professionals in the region.