Greens complain about gaps in GP care in eastern Saxony

In many places in Upper Lusatia, the Greens believe that the care provided by GPs is at risk of collapsing. Group leader Franziska Schubert, who herself comes from this region, refers to information from the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KV) Saxony and data from the "Lusatia Monitor" - a representative long-term study that examines the opinions of the population in eastern Saxony and southern Brandenburg.

Supply in the districts of Bautzen and Görlitz at risk

The KV has classified the supply levels in the districts of Görlitz and Bautzen as "quite low" and the supply "at risk", it said. In Bautzen, one in three GPs is over 60 years old, in Görlitz the figure is even over 40 percent. "Numerous practices are on the verge of closure, while at the same time hardly any new doctors are joining them," explained the Greens.

People are losing a piece of security and quality of life

"The people in Upper Lusatia have a right to reliable medical care. The impending gaps in care in our villages are a serious warning signal," said parliamentary group leader Franziska Schubert. Without a successor for older GPs, people would lose medical care close to home and therefore a degree of security and quality of life.

Greens: Government lacks a binding strategy

Schubert also called on the government to take swift countermeasures. "This is a joint task for the state, local authorities and the Saxony Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians. This task cannot be delayed." However, the CDU and SPD have no binding strategy for medical care in rural areas.

Greens propose care centers similar to polyclinics

"Young doctors in particular like to work as employees in a team these days. Medical care centers set up in this way would be a good solution," Schubert suggested. At the same time, they would offer people a point of contact with several medical services under one roof. "People are familiar with this from the polyclinics. And you can see that it is well received. To establish these services, we need support from the state."

Medical care the most pressing problem for many

According to the latest "Lusatia Monitor", medical care is the most pressing problem for the population of Upper Lusatia. 58 percent of those surveyed are dissatisfied with the care they receive, while 75 percent consider medical care close to home to be particularly important. Longer waiting times, a lack of medication and difficulties finding a new GP are part of everyday life.